Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Why Make This Recipe
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a comforting treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm spice of cinnamon. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Baking this bread fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma that invites everyone to gather around. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for the swirl)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
- Mix in the baking soda and salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Stir in the flour until just incorporated.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar on top. Pour the remaining batter over and top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter lightly.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It can be sliced and enjoyed plain or spread with butter for an extra touch of richness. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
To store your banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw slices as needed.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas, as they are sweeter and easier to mash.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- For an extra moist bread, add a tablespoon of yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
- If you want to boost the flavor, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
Variation
You can easily customize this banana bread. Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. For a chocolate twist, mix in some chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the batter. You can also replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work great! Just thaw them and mash them before using in the recipe.
2. How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done.
3. Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to about 30-40 minutes for mini loaves.
Enjoy making and sharing this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread with friends and family!
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
- Mix in the baking soda and salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Stir in the flour until just incorporated.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar on top.
- Pour the remaining batter over and top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter lightly.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.