If you’re craving a bakery-style treat that brings together everything comforting about home baking, Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is about to become your new go-to. This recipe offers the moist tenderness of classic banana bread, but with a glorious cinnamon-sugar swirl running through every bite. Each slice is infused with warm spices, hints of vanilla, and the irresistible aroma of baked bananas. If you’re looking to wow your family or indulge in a bit of nostalgia—with a twist—this loaf promises to be both simple and show-stopping.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is—nothing fancy, just simple pantry staples that work together to create magic. Each ingredient plays its own special role, creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.

Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They give the bread incredible flavor and natural sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds rich moisture and helps the loaf stay soft for days.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that lets the banana and cinnamon flavors shine.
Large egg: Acts as a binder and gives structure so the bread doesn’t crumble.
Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant background note that pairs beautifully with banana and cinnamon.
All-purpose flour: The base of the loaf, keeping it wonderfully tender and fluffy.
Baking soda: Reacts with the bananas to create just the right amount of rise.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness perfectly balanced.
Ground cinnamon: The essential spice for that warming, aromatic swirl.
Brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the irresistible, gooey swirl throughout the bread.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or baking spray, making sure to coat the corners so your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread easily pops out after baking. This is also the perfect time to gather all your ingredients on the counter for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash your bananas until mostly smooth with just a few little lumps—that’s what gives the bread great texture. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until you have a glossy, cohesive mixture. The aroma right here already starts to hint at how good your kitchen will smell!

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps make sure every bite of Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is perfectly risen and seasoned. Gently fold the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring just enough to get rid of streaks of flour—no over-mixing, or your loaf might turn tough.

Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Grab a small bowl and combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar. This is your flavor-packed swirl mixture, and it’s what gives every slice a gorgeous marbled look and a sweet, cinnamon-y punch. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended and free of clumps.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour half of your banana bread batter into the loaf pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture in an even layer over the top. Add the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl through the batter a few times, creating that signature marbled effect in your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. If you notice the top browning a bit too quickly, lightly tent the loaf with foil. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your loaf is done! Let your masterpiece cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The hard part? Waiting to slice in!

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust the top of your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread with a touch of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the cooled loaf to make it even more decadent.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you want to make it a brunch centerpiece, serve slices alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a treat that feels just a bit special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread thickly and serving it warm, with a pat of butter melting over each slice. For a fun twist, cube the bread and use it in a cinnamon-banana bread pudding, or lightly toast slices for brunch platters and breakfast boards.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread has cooled completely, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays moist and flavorful for up to three days at room temperature—just keep it out of direct sunlight and heat.

Freezing

Banana bread is practically made for the freezer. Wrap individual slices (or the entire loaf) tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop a slice straight into the toaster.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked feel, warm up your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread in the microwave for about 15 seconds per slice, or toast gently in a toaster oven. This brings back the softness and makes your kitchen smell like fresh cinnamon again!

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thawed frozen bananas work perfectly for Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. Be sure to drain off any excess liquid before mashing, so your batter doesn’t become too wet.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get a delicious loaf with a perfect cinnamon swirl.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?

The easiest method is to use a fork or potato masher to break down ripe bananas until mostly smooth, leaving just a few small chunks for added texture in your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Fold in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips after combining the wet and dry ingredients for a little extra crunch or chocolaty goodness.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This can happen if the bread is underbaked or if too much mixing knocked out the air. Make sure to check doneness with a toothpick and stir the batter just until incorporated for the best results with your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking and sharing a loaf of Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, whether it’s for family, friends, or just yourself. Every swirl and slice promises a cozy, fragrant bite. Next time you’ve got overripe bananas, give this recipe a try—you’ll be coming back to it again and again!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth with a hint of comforting cinnamon swirls.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the 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 another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: Mix ground cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl.
Layer Batter: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon mixture, add remaining batter, and top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
Create Swirl: Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter.
Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes, tenting with foil if needed, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For added texture, you can fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.
This banana bread freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store one for later.

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