Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a rich, moist, and flavorful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with warm cinnamon sugar swirls for a delightful breakfast or snack. This loaf is beautifully layered with ribbons of cinnamon and sugar that give every bite a perfect balance of spice and sweetness.

You’ll love this banana bread for its ultra-moist texture and the luscious swirls of cinnamon sugar that add a sweet and buttery contrast throughout the loaf. The top crisps up nicely with a subtle caramelized crunch, while the tender interior remains soft and full of banana goodness. It’s easy to make with simple pantry staples and offers a cozy, comforting flavor reminiscent of cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

For the Batter:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

To Garnish:

• 6 thin slices ripe banana

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, melt butter and let cool slightly. Whisk in granulated sugar, then eggs and vanilla extract.

3. Stir in flour and baking soda. Fold in mashed bananas until just combined.

4. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until thick and spreadable.

5. Spread ¼ of the banana batter evenly in the bottom of the pan. Dollop ¼ of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Use a knife or wooden spoon to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter.

6. Add ⅓ of the remaining banana batter over the first layer and dollop ⅓ of the remaining cinnamon sugar. Swirl again.

7. Spread ½ of the remaining batter evenly on top and swirl with ½ of the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.

8. Spread the remaining batter evenly over the top and dollop the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make large swirls throughout the layer.

9. Arrange six thin banana slices down the middle of the batter for garnish.

10. Place loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake 60-70 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking until done.

12. Cool loaf in the pan 30 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

My Best Tips for Success

• Use overripe bananas for sweeter, moister bread.

• Don’t overmix batter fold until just combined for tender crumb.

• Swirl cinnamon sugar gently to create beautiful marbling without overmixing.

• Use room temperature eggs and butter for ease of mixing.

• Bake loaf on a baking sheet to catch any spills and help even heat distribution.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

• Stir in chocolate chips or dried fruit alongside the bananas.

• Top with a vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

• Use whole wheat or oat flour for a healthier twist.

• Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for deeper spice notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

What’s the best way to slice banana bread?

Use a serrated knife and cut gently to avoid crumbling.

How do I store leftovers?

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil; keep at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate longer.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?

Yes, adjust baking time accordingly for smaller portions.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

How do I prevent the swirl from blending completely?

Keep the cinnamon sugar mixture thick and swirl lightly with a knife.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (10 servings) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Tender, moist loaf layered with buttery cinnamon-sugar ribbons for a perfect balance of sweet banana flavor and warm spice, finished with caramelized top.

See also  4 ingredient banana bread​

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Batter

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium)

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

3 tbsp granulated sugar

3 tbsp dark brown sugar

2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Garnish

6 thin slices ripe banana

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Instructions

1. Prepare pan and oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5‑inch loaf pan.

2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until smooth.

3. Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour and baking soda until just combined. Gently fold in mashed bananas; do not overmix.

4. Prepare cinnamon swirl: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form a thick paste.

5. Layer batter and swirl:

   • Spread ¼ of banana batter in pan; dollop ¼ of cinnamon mixture and swirl gently.

   • Add ⅓ of remaining batter, dollop ⅓ of cinnamon mixture; swirl again.

   • Repeat layering, finishing with cinnamon mixture on top and swirling lightly.

6. Top and bake: Arrange banana slices along the top. Place pan on a baking sheet and bake 60–70 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

7. Cool and serve: Cool in pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture. Mix lightly for tender crumb. Avoid over-swirl to keep cinnamon ribbons distinct. Cool fully for clean slices. Store wrapped at room temperature 2–3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Bread, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 recipe)
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 185 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: cinnamon swirl banana bread, moist banana bread recipe, cinnamon sugar banana loaf, banana cinnamon bread, easy homemade banana bread