Description

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread combines moist, flavorful banana bread with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout. The Greek yogurt adds moisture and tenderness, while the cinnamon swirl provides a delightful burst of warm spice in every bite. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ripe bananas, mashed

Cinnamon Swirl

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread does not stick after baking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract, mixing until completely smooth.
Incorporate bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas, making sure the mixture is smooth with no large chunks remaining for even texture throughout the bread.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Prepare cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar swirl.
Layer batter and cinnamon sugar: Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it.
Add remaining batter and cinnamon sugar: Pour the remaining batter on top and spread it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Create the swirl pattern: Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to form a marbled cinnamon pattern throughout the bread.
Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool before serving: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Make sure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
Use room temperature eggs to help the batter mix better and produce a lighter texture.
Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense bread.
You can substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream if desired for similar moisture and texture.
Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 16 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, banana recipe, breakfast bread, cinnamon sugar, moist banana bread