Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Warm, fragrant, and irresistibly sweet: the ultimate Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is here to brighten up your mornings and satisfy your snack-time cravings. This loaf brings together the cozy aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar with the natural sweetness of overripe bananas, creating a moist and flavorful experience in every bite. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a comforting dessert, this recipe is designed for home bakers of all skill levels—yes, even beginners! With just a handful of pantry staples and about 15 minutes of prep, you’ll fill your kitchen with delightful scents and have a gorgeous loaf ready to enjoy after an hour or so in the oven, plus a short 10-minute rest.

Whether you’re serving it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tucking a slice into your lunchbox, this banana bread strikes the ideal balance of sweet, tender crumb and that classic cinnamon swirl. Each slice clocks in around 200 calories, making it a guilt-free treat that’s both simple and satisfying. The secret is using overripe bananas for maximum moisture, plus a swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon to add a touch of warmth and contrast. With straightforward steps, beginner-friendly techniques, and versatile options—think chopped nuts or chocolate chips—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this go-to recipe for breakfast, dessert, or in-between snacking!

KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON SWIRL BANANA BREAD

Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is no exception. From the structural role of flour to the sweetness of brown sugar, each component works in harmony to create that tender crumb and signature swirl.

• All-purpose flour

Provides the base and structure for the loaf, giving it the right balance between density and lightness.

• Baking soda

Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise and become fluffy by releasing carbon dioxide bubbles during baking.

• Salt

Enhances the sweetness of the bananas and cinnamon while balancing flavors throughout the batter.

• Unsalted butter

Adds richness and moisture; melting it ensures an even distribution of fat for a tender crumb.

• Granulated sugar

Sweetens the bread and helps create a fine texture by working with the butter during creaming.

• Eggs

Bind ingredients together, provide structure, and add extra moisture for a cohesive loaf.

• Vanilla extract

Infuses a warm, aromatic note that complements the bananas and cinnamon beautifully.

• Mashed bananas

Offer natural sweetness, moisture, and a fruity flavor profile—overripe bananas work best for maximum taste.

• Sour cream

Contributes tangy richness and moisture, resulting in a soft, tender crumb.

• Brown sugar

Used in the swirl for a caramel-like sweetness that contrasts with the banana batter.

• Ground cinnamon

Delivers warm, spicy notes in the swirl, creating that irresistible cinnamon ribbon throughout each slice.

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON SWIRL BANANA BREAD

Now let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the baking process. This beginner-friendly recipe unfolds in a few simple stages: mixing your dry ingredients, creaming together butter and sugar, adding wet ingredients, and finally creating that dreamy cinnamon swirl. Follow these steps to achieve a beautiful loaf with a perfectly moist crumb and eye-catching design.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly with butter or nonstick spray, then dusting with flour, or simply line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this dry mix aside—this ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed.

3. In a large bowl, pour in the melted butter and granulated sugar. Use a sturdy spoon or mixer on low speed to cream until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated.

4. Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition so the batter stays light and emulsified. Stir in the vanilla extract until just blended.

5. Add the mashed bananas and sour cream to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold gently until you see no streaks of banana or cream—just be careful not to overmix, which can make the bread tough.

6. Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, using slow, sweeping motions. Stop as soon as no pockets of dry flour remain; overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.

7. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well blended, creating the cinnamon swirl mixture.

8. Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

9. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter, covering the surface for a bold swirl.

10. Spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer, gently smoothing it out.

11. Top with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Take a butter knife and carefully swirl through the batter, creating a marbled pattern without fully blending it in.

12. Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

13. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This rest prevents the bread from becoming gummy in the center.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON SWIRL BANANA BREAD

Once your loaf has cooled and your kitchen is filled with that irresistible cinnamon scent, it’s time to explore the many ways you can serve and enjoy this treat. Whether you’re looking for a simple snack or an elegant breakfast offering, these suggestions will help you make the most of every slice.

• Warm, pat of butter

Slice the bread while it’s still slightly warm and spread a thin layer of room-temperature butter on top. The butter will melt into nooks and crannies, adding a creamy richness.

• Toasted thick slices

Pop thicker cuts under your toaster or in a skillet for a minute on each side. This creates a slight crisp edge that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender center.

• Cream cheese swirl

Whip softened cream cheese with a touch of honey or maple syrup and dollop it on each slice. The tanginess cuts through the sweetness and elevates each bite.

• Coffee or tea pairing

Serve a slice alongside a bold espresso shot or a delicate herbal tea. The warmth of the drink brings out the cinnamon notes and balances the loaf’s natural sweetness.

HOW TO STORE CINNAMON SWIRL BANANA BREAD

After savoring a few slices, you’ll want to keep the remainder fresh and delectable for days to come. Proper storage techniques will preserve moisture, prevent staleness, and even allow you to enjoy this treat well into the week.

• Room-Temperature Keeping

Wrap the cooled, sliced loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This method maintains its soft crumb without refrigeration.

• Refrigeration

If you live in a warm or humid environment, store the bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature or warm gently before serving to revive tenderness.

• Freezing for Longevity

For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in aluminum foil followed by plastic wrap, or seal in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

• Refreshing Reheat

To enjoy refrigerated or thawed slices at their best, warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15–20 seconds. This brings back the freshly baked texture and enhances the cinnamon aroma.

CONCLUSION

There you have it—the complete guide to creating your very own Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread from scratch. We’ve explored everything from the must-have ingredients, like mashed overripe bananas and that lovely swirl of brown sugar with cinnamon, to detailed baking instructions that even a beginner can follow with confidence. You’ve learned how to preheat and prepare your pan, how to cream butter and sugar, how to fold in wet and dry mixtures without overworking the batter, and finally how to swirl the cinnamon blend for that signature marbled look. We’ve also shared creative serving ideas, whether you’re a fan of a simple buttery slice or prefer something fancier like a cream cheese topping, plus smart storage options to keep your loaf fresh or even frozen for future enjoyment.

Feel free to print this article and save it to your recipe collection, so you can revisit it whenever those banana bread cravings hit. You’ll even find a handy FAQ below for quick answers to questions like ingredient substitutions or troubleshooting tips—just scroll down to find it. When you give this recipe a try, drop a comment or question if you need any clarification. Your feedback, personal twists, or notes about how it turned out are all welcome. Happy baking, and may every slice of your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread bring that warm, cozy feeling you crave!

Print Recipe

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Author: Marcus Stone Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins

Calories: 200

Description

This moist and flavorful banana bread swirls rich cinnamon and brown sugar throughout, creating a delightful contrast with every bite. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3-4 bananas)

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well blended.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well with each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream. Mix until everything is combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to over mix.
7. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together for the swirl.
8. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
10. Carefully spoon the rest of the batter on top.
11. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
13. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Note

• Overripe bananas work best for this recipe as they add more sweetness and moisture.
• Experiment with nuts or chocolate chips for additional texture and flavor.
• Store the banana bread in an airtight container to keep it moist and delicious.
• This bread makes a great breakfast or snack and pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, baking, dessert, easy recipe, comfort food