This Easy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a cozy treat bursting with flavor! It’s made with ripe bananas and a swirl of sweet cinnamon that makes every bite special.
Baking this bread fills the house with a wonderful smell that will have everyone running to the kitchen. I love to enjoy it warm with a bit of butter—so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture. The more speckles they have, the better! If you don’t have ripe ones, you can bake them at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until soft.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter as a substitute, but the taste will vary slightly.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and richness. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/4 cup of regular milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes—voila!
Cinnamon: Always grab ground cinnamon for this recipe. If you want a twist, try adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice too. It gives an exciting flavor boost!
How Do I Create a Cinnamon Swirl in My Bread?
Making a delicious cinnamon swirl is simple, but you want it to be just right. Here’s how to ensure your swirl is perfectly mixed throughout the banana bread:
- After pouring half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it.
- Pour the second half of the batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Use a knife or skewer and gently swirl the two mixtures together in a figure-eight motion. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep that swirl effect!
Easy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana bread will take you about 20 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll bake it for 60-70 minutes. Make sure you give it some time to cool before slicing—if you can wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan so that your banana bread doesn’t stick!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. You want this to be light and fluffy, so mix for a few minutes until it looks good!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is mixed in well before adding the next. Then, add in the vanilla extract to boost that yummy flavor.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Next, stir in the mashed bananas and the buttermilk until everything is nicely combined and smooth.
6. Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it!
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be your delightful swirl!
8. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of your banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer.
9. Finish Layering:
Pour the remaining batter on top and then sprinkle the last of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of that.
10. Create the Swirl:
With a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create that scrumptious cinnamon swirl effect.
11. Bake the Bread:
Pop the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
12. Cool and Serve:
Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a healthier option. If you want a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Ripe Bananas?
If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or so. Alternatively, you can bake unripe bananas in their skins at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a wonderful crunch, and chocolate chips can give it a decadent twist. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan. Adjust the amount based on your preference, but about 1/2 cup works great!
