Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm slice of banana bread—moist, tender, and naturally sweet. But when you add a ribbon of cinnamon sugar swirl running through the center and sprinkled on top, it becomes next-level delicious. Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a cozy twist on the classic, bringing the warm spice of cinnamon together with ripe bananas for a treat that’s perfect any time of day.

Whether you’re looking to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter or need a quick and easy baked good to serve with coffee, this banana bread delivers. It comes together with pantry staples and doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a loaf pan. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma as it bakes.

Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert, this cinnamon swirl banana bread strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spiced. And the best part? It stays moist for days, making it ideal for meal prep or gifting. Let’s dive into the details so you can bake your own loaf of comfort.

🕒 Cooking Time & Serving

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 50–60 minutes

• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

• Servings: 10 slices

🧾 Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork until smooth.

4. Add the wet ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add eggs, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

5. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

6. Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

7. Layer and swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter over this layer, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter with a few figure-eight motions.

8. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

📝 Notes

• Banana Tip: The riper the bananas, the better! Look for brown, spotty peels.

• Add-ins: For extra texture, you can fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.

• Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

❓ FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind, it may be slightly denser.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based butter.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This could be due to overmixing the batter or underbaking. Be sure to mix until just combined and check doneness with a toothpick.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

🍽 Nutrition Information

⚠️ Disclaimer

This recipe is intended as a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens such as gluten, dairy, or eggs, and consult your healthcare provider if you have specific dietary restrictions or food allergies.