This banana bread is a warm, cozy treat you’ll love! Packed with ripe bananas and a sweet cinnamon swirl, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. The smell while it bakes is simply heavenly!
I can’t resist sneaking a slice as soon as it cools. You can enjoy it plain, or add some butter on top for a yummy touch. Plus, it’s super easy to make, even on a busy day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can place them in a paper bag for a day to speed up the ripening process.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter to control the salt content. You can swap it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, which adds a nice flavor too!
Granulated Sugar: While regular sugar works great, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You could also try honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of the bread. For a healthier twist, you could use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, though this may change the texture a bit.
How Do You Create the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
Getting that cinnamon swirl just right adds a lovely flavor and look to your banana bread. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined. This creates a delightful paste.
- After pouring in half the banana batter, evenly spoon about half of the cinnamon mixture over the top.
- Pour the remaining batter, then add the rest of the cinnamon mix on top.
- Gently swirl it in with a knife or skewer—too much mixing can blend away the layers.
Taking your time to create the swirl will make for a beautiful and tasty loaf. Happy baking!
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 50 to 60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow for some cooling time, making the total time approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Banana Base:
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas and add the melted butter. Stir to combine them well until you have a nice, smooth mixture.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, mix in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined—this is the base of your bread!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures your banana bread will rise beautifully!
5. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry mixture into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; you don’t want to overmix it.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. This will be the delightful swirl that adds flavor to your bread.
7. Layer the Batter and Swirl:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then, spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining banana batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon swirl. Don’t forget to create a lovely marbled effect!
8. Bake the Banana Bread:
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
9. Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade cinnamon swirl banana bread!
Happy baking! This banana bread is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy each warm, cinnamon-y slice!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen bananas, just be sure to thaw them beforehand. For quicker thawing, place them in a sealed bag and submerge in warm water until soft. Once thawed, mash them well and drain any excess liquid before adding to your batter.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! You can fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just sprinkle them in after combining the wet and dry ingredients, and gently mix to incorporate.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.
