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Sliced loaf of cinnamon swirl banana bread topped with banana slices and a light glaze, showing a visible spiral of cinnamon filling through the moist crumb.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread


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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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


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