This banana bread is a warm hug in a loaf! Packed with ripe bananas and swirled with sweet cinnamon, it’s super moist and perfect for any time of day.
Making this bread fills your kitchen with an amazing smell. Every slice is like finding a hidden treasure of cinnamon goodness. Who wouldn’t want that? 🍌
I love enjoying it fresh from the oven with a bit of butter. It’s so easy to whip up, you might find yourself making it every week! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can place them in a brown paper bag for a day or two, or bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until soft.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just be sure to melt before mixing!
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and tanginess. If you don’t have either, plain milk or a plant-based milk works, but your bread may be slightly less rich.
Cinnamon: A key player for flavor! Feel free to use pumpkin spice as a fun twist or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
What’s the Best Way to Create a Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl is where the fun happens! To make this swirl, it’s important to layer the batter and cinnamon mixture correctly.
- Pour in half of the banana bread batter first, then drizzle half the cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
- Pour the rest of the batter and top it off with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
- Gently use a knife or skewer to make swirling motions, being careful not to mix it too much. Aim for a marbled look—this ensures that each slice has a lovely cinnamon flavor!
Remember, patience is key. The swirls might take a little practice but will be worth it when you slice into that beautiful, marbled bread!
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty cinnamon swirl banana bread takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and then you’ll bake it for 60 to 70 minutes. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into it. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this delightful bread in about 1.5 to 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and ensures the bread rises well. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the Bananas and Sour Cream:
Mix the mashed bananas and sour cream into the butter mixture until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to your bread!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
6. Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to create your cinnamon swirl mixture.
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then, drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
8. Add the Remaining Batter and Swirl:
Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cinnamon layer and top with the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 to 70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your delicious, moist, and cinnamon-swirled banana bread!
Your homemade cinnamon swirl banana bread is ready to impress family and friends! Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work well—just make sure to thaw them first. When thawed, drain any excess liquid and mash them up for use in the recipe. They’re perfect for banana bread and often sweeter than fresh bananas!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps replicate the texture that gluten provides.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! Adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips will enhance the flavor. Just fold them into the batter when mixing in the dry ingredients. Enjoy your delicious twists on the classic recipe!
