Delicious cinnamon swirl banana bread with a moist texture and sweet aroma.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: A Cozy Weekend Delight

There’s just something about the aroma of banana bread baking in the oven that takes me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen. As a child, I would eagerly wait for the warm, golden slices to come out, slathered in butter, and ready to be enjoyed with a steaming cup of cocoa. Those cozy moments spent with family always seemed sweeter with a slice of banana bread in hand. Today, I want to share with you my comforting recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread — the perfect treat for a lazy Sunday morning or a heartwarming holiday gathering. It’s simple, delicious, and oh-so-cozy. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
  • The warm, cinnamon-sugar swirl adds a delightful twist to the classic banana bread, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser.
  • This recipe is incredibly versatile — you can customize it with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for added indulgence.
  • Best of all, it makes your kitchen smell heavenly, invoking those nostalgic feelings we all crave on a chilly day.
  • Each slice is tender, moist, and bursting with flavor — making it an ideal snack or breakfast option for your family and friends.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for a slice of pure bliss:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Let’s Make It Together

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Mix in the melted butter, creating a creamy base.
  3. Stir in the baking soda and pinch of salt — this will give your banana bread a lovely rise!
  4. Add in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined into a lovely, glossy batter.
  5. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be gentle — we want it to stay tender and fluffy!
  6. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar, which will create that delightful swirl in the bread.
  7. Pour half of the banana batter into the greased loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it, and then layer the remaining batter on top, finishing with the remaining cinnamon-sugar for that perfect swirl.
  8. Take a knife and gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter for that gorgeous marbled effect.
  9. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The waiting is the hardest part, but oh, is it worth it!
  10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. The smell in your kitchen will drive everyone wild!

Delicious Variations to Try

  1. Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
  2. Chocolate Indulgence: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
  3. Zesty Surprise: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
  4. Creamy Nut Butter: Swirl in a few spoonfuls of your favorite nut butter into the batter before baking for a rich, creamy texture.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

  • Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for ones that are brown and speckled for the best results.
  • Make-Ahead: You can easily make this recipe ahead of time and store the baked loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days — though I doubt it will last that long!
  • Freezing: This banana bread freezes beautifully! Wrap slices in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for a cozy treat anytime.
  • Slicing Trick: For clean slices, use a long serrated knife, and make sure the bread is completely cool before slicing.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 200
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 150mg

Reader FAQs About Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The flavors develop beautifully after a day, and it keeps well.

Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! You can substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener or replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s also fabulous toasted!

How long does it last?
Enjoy it fresh for about 3 days at room temperature, or freeze it for up to 3 months!

A Cozy Closing Note

There’s truly nothing like the warm and inviting taste of homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. It carries the essence of home and love, perfectly suited for sharing with friends or indulging in on a quiet morning with your favorite mug of tea. Save this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread to your cozy recipes board so it’s ready when you need a delicious treat that warms the heart. Cheers to baking, shared moments, and making memories!

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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

A comforting banana bread featuring a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl, perfect for lazy mornings or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Mash the ripe bananas until smooth and mix in the melted butter.
  3. Stir in the baking soda and pinch of salt.
  4. Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; mix well until combined.
  5. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined.
  6. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and brown sugar for the swirl.
  7. Pour half of the banana batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then layer remaining batter and cinnamon-sugar on top.
  8. Gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter with a knife.
  9. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For variations, try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or citrus zest. This bread can be made ahead and freezes beautifully.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, cozy baking, comfort food

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