Sink your teeth into pure comfort with this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread — a classic loaf elevated with a mesmerizing ribbon of cinnamon and brown sugar. Every bite brings together the tender, buttery crumb of old-fashioned banana bread with pockets of sweet-spicy swirl. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or whenever you need a cozy, homemade treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread guarantees delicious results every time.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about making Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is how simple the ingredient list is — there’s no fuss, just the perfect blend of basics that work together to create a loaf that smells heavenly and tastes downright irresistible. Each ingredient plays a special role in the moistness, flavor, and beautiful swirled appearance.

Ripe bananas: Overripe is best for extra sweetness, aroma, and moisture — they’re the base of this classic loaf.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds rich flavor and helps keep the crumb super tender.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and ensures a soft texture.
Large egg: Binds everything together for a perfectly set bread without making it dense.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor and complements both banana and cinnamon so well.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the loaf, giving it structure while keeping it delicate.
Baking soda: Essential for that desirable rise and a fluffy interior.
Salt: A pinch wakes up all the other flavors — don’t skip it!
Ground cinnamon: Plenty of cinnamon infuses the swirl with cozy, aromatic warmth.
Brown sugar: Combines with cinnamon to create a caramel-like, slightly gooey ribbon throughout the bread.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well with butter or nonstick spray. This will ensure your loaf releases easily and comes out with beautiful, golden sides.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash your bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or fork to combine everything until the mixture is nicely blended and glossy — this ensures an even crumb and tons of flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stirring these dry ingredients ahead of time helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly throughout the batter, preventing any unpleasant pockets of flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until you no longer see streaks of flour. It’s important not to overmix — a few lumps are totally fine and actually help give Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread that soft, cakey texture we all love.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and brown sugar. This duo is the magic that creates the signature cinnamon swirl, adding pockets of warmth and sweetness to every slice.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of your banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it into the corners. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter, then the rest of your cinnamon mixture. Gently drag a knife or skewer through the layers in a swirling, marbled motion — you want to create visible ribbons, but don’t overdo it or the swirl will disappear!

Step 7: Bake

Slide the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you notice the loaf browning too quickly, tent a piece of foil over the top for the last part of baking. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting is hard, but it’s worth it for the best texture.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Garnishes

A thick slice of Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is wonderful all on its own, but you can make it even more memorable with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a pat of soft butter that melts into warm crumbs. For a special touch, try a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of toasted chopped walnuts on top.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee, chai, or spiced tea. If you’re serving it for brunch, consider fresh berries, yogurt, or even a little fruit salad on the side to add a burst of freshness. Savory sides like scrambled eggs or crispy bacon provide a temptingly balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly eye-catching spread, slice Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread thickly and arrange it on a wooden board with jam, soft cheeses, and fresh fruit. You can also cut it into cubes for a brunch trifle, or layer slices in a parfait glass with yogurt and granola for a breakfast-on-the-go. Don’t be afraid to get playful — this loaf loves the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread ultra-fresh, wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is extra warm, you can stash it in the fridge, though this may slightly firm up the texture (a quick toast remedies this!).

Freezing

For longer storage, let the bread cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When a craving hits, thaw slices at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

Reheating

Warm slices bring out that nostalgic, just-baked aroma! Pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast lightly for a crisp exterior and soft crumb. Topping a reheated slice with a little butter is always a good idea.

FAQs

How ripe do my bananas need to be for Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread?

The riper, the better! You want bananas with plenty of brown spots and a sweet aroma — these will mash easily and infuse the loaf with natural sweetness and moisture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of chocolate chips add great texture and flavor. Add about 1/2 cup and fold them in at the end, just before layering the batter.

What if I don’t have brown sugar for the swirl?

You can use coconut sugar or even regular granulated sugar in a pinch. Brown sugar brings a caramel note and lovely color, but the bread will still be delicious with a substitute.

How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning faster than the middle is baking, tent with foil and continue to bake until fully set.

Can I make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure not to overmix, as gluten-free batters can sometimes get gummy if stirred too much.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got ripe bananas on the counter, don’t let them go to waste — bake up a loaf of Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread and share the love. The aroma alone will win you friends and neighbors, and that cinnamon ribbon will keep you coming back for “just one more” slice. Give this recipe a go; I promise there’s nothing quite like a homemade, cinnamon-kissed banana bread fresh from your oven!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delicious blend of sweet bananas and cinnamon with this moist and flavorful Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this easy-to-make treat will have your kitchen smelling amazing.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: Mix ground cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl.
Layer Batter and Cinnamon: Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture, add the rest of the batter, and top with the remaining cinnamon.
Create Swirl: Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter.
Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes, tenting with foil if needed. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Baked Goods
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Banana Bread, Cinnamon Swirl, Breakfast, Snack, Baking, Easy Recipe