Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping quick bread that marries gooey sweetness with a touch of spice, this Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is destined to become your new favorite bake. Imagine plush, moist banana bread with decadent ribbons of cinnamon sugar threading through every bite, then crowned with tender slices of caramelized banana. Whether you slice it for breakfast, dress it up for brunch, or sneak a cozy piece with afternoon coffee, this loaf always disappears in a flash. Trust me: once you try this Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread, you’ll be making excuses to let your bananas go spotty!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one pulls its weight—bringing lush texture, deep flavors, and that stunning swirl you can’t resist!

• Melted unsalted butter (1 cup, 2 sticks): Adds rich, buttery flavor and keeps the crumb extra tender.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the loaf and helps achieve that beautifully golden crust.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together for a sliceable, cohesive bread.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the banana and cinnamon notes with a cozy aroma.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the bread, giving it structure without heaviness.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures that perfect, tender rise you expect from stellar banana bread.
• Mashed ripe bananas (1 and 1/2 cups, about 4 bananas): Brings major banana flavor, sweetness, and moisture.
• Unsalted butter, melted (3 tablespoons, for cinnamon sugar swirl): Makes the cinnamon sugar melt and swirl deliciously through the loaf.
• Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons, for cinnamon sugar swirl): Lends sweetness and just the right amount of crunch to the swirl.
• Dark brown sugar (3 tablespoons, for cinnamon sugar swirl): Adds caramelly depth and gooey texture to the cinnamon ribbon.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons, for cinnamon sugar swirl): Provides that classic, spicy warmth throughout the bread.
• Thin slices of ripe banana (6, for garnishing): Caramelize beautifully on top, hinting at the goodness inside!

How to Make Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan—this little prep work guarantees your loaf pops out perfectly, every time. Set your prepared pan aside while you mix up the magic.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a big bowl, melt your butter and let it cool just enough so it doesn’t cook the eggs. Whisk in the sugar for a few seconds to start dissolving the crystals, then add the eggs and vanilla. This step ensures your Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread has a rich, cohesive base.

Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients and Banana

Add the flour and baking soda right into the wet mixture. Give it a gentle stir—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that soft texture. Now, fold in the mashed bananas until just combined. It’s totally fine if the batter looks a bit lumpy; that’s where all the tender flavor comes from.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of melted butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon. This dreamy filling is what creates those gorgeous swirls throughout your banana bread, infusing every bite with gooey cinnamon sweetness.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl It All Together

Spoon about a quarter of your banana bread batter into the prepared pan, then dollop a quarter of the cinnamon sugar mixture right on top. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon goodness through the batter. Keep layering and swirling, finishing with a layer of batter crowned by that last bit of cinnamon sugar.

Step 6: Garnish and Bake

Gently lay six thin slices of ripe banana in a row down the center of the loaf for a striking finish. Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and a toothpick poked in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). Let your Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread cool in the pan for 30 minutes before moving it to a wire rack—if you can resist the aroma that long!

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread

Garnishes

A warm slice is made even more tempting with a pat of salted butter, a drizzle of honey, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a special touch, try a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for crunch.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is fabulous all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a bowl of Greek yogurt, a platter of fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It’s equally delicious with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by slicing the bread thick and serving with a little pitcher of warm maple syrup for dunking. Or, cut it into cubes and layer with yogurt and fruit for an easy, impressive parfait. For a brunch crowd, try toasting slices and topping with mascarpone and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply wrap your Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep at room temperature for up to three days. The swirls of cinnamon keep it moist and irresistible—even a day or two later!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) in a double layer of plastic wrap, then foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and it tastes just as fresh as day one.

Reheating

If you love your banana bread slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. You can also toast it lightly in a toaster oven for a crisp edge and soft center, especially tasty if you plan to slather on some butter.

FAQs

Can I substitute oil for the butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use the same amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a different spin. The flavor will be slightly different, but your Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread will still be moist and delicious.

What if I don’t have dark brown sugar?

No worries! Light brown sugar works just as well for the cinnamon swirl, though the flavor will be a touch lighter. If you’re out of both, simply add a teaspoon of molasses to granulated sugar for a homemade brown sugar fix.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just check that your baking soda and other mix-ins are also certified gluten-free for total peace of mind.

What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?

If your bananas aren’t quite ready, pop them (unpeeled) on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 10–15 minutes, until the skins turn black. Let them cool, then peel and mash for perfectly ripe banana flavor in a hurry.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Of course! About half a cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can be gently folded in with the mashed bananas for extra flavor and texture. Your Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread will be even more irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof recipe that brings pure joy to any table, this Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is it. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the oven, and the first bite will make them lifelong fans. Give this recipe a whirl, and don’t be surprised if it becomes the most-requested treat in your baking repertoire!