If you crave the comfort of sweet, warmly spiced bread, this Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread brings together the moist richness of ripe bananas and the irresistible aroma of a cinnamon sugar swirl. Each bite offers a tender crumb and ribbons of cinnamon, transforming your kitchen with the scents of nostalgia and home. The recipe hits all the right notes: effortless preparation, familiar ingredients, and a beautiful loaf that’s as perfect for breakfast as it is for dessert. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking an extra slice for yourself, this is your new go-to recipe for those bananas sitting on the counter.

Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these everyday ingredients and watch them transform into a spectacular Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. Each item plays an essential role in creating that wonderfully moist loaf with a signature cinnamon twist.

Ripe bananas (3, mashed): Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots offer softness and the deepest banana flavor for a moist loaf.
Melted butter (1/3 cup): Butter infuses the bread with rich flavor and helps keep every bite tender.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Brings sweetness and balances the natural sugars in the bananas.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds moistness and a subtle molasses flavor, perfect for banana bread.
Large egg (1): The egg provides structure and ensures the loaf holds together without being too dense.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends cozy, aromatic notes that blend beautifully with banana and cinnamon.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the bread a light rise and keeps the crumb fluffy.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors and intensify the banana taste.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base for structure, just enough for that classic banana bread texture.
For the cinnamon swirl: Brown sugar (1/3 cup) and ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon) – these create the dramatic, cozy swirl that sets this recipe apart.

How to Make Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well—either with cooking spray, butter, or parchment paper—so your banana bread lifts out without sticking. The right pan prep makes for easy slicing and a perfect loaf.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash your very ripe bananas until smooth; a fork works perfectly. Whisk in the melted butter until the mixture is combined and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is fully blended—this is where all the moistness and flavor begin building their magic.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over your wet mixture. Gently stir them in. Next, fold in the flour until just combined. It’s key not to overmix here; a few streaks of flour are fine. This keeps your bread tender and avoids toughness.

Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This will be your beautiful swirl filling, weaving ribbons of spiced sweetness through the loaf.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour half of your banana bread batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer—don’t stress about perfection! Cover with the remaining batter, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon mixture on top. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the cinnamon through the batter in a few figure-eight motions. The more casual, the better—it creates pockets of cinnamon in every slice.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 50–60 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step locks in the moisture and allows the cinnamon swirl to set perfectly.

How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Garnishes

Serve thick, generous slices of Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread as is for pure comfort, or take it over the top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a smear of soft butter, or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it dessert-worthy for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This bread is a showstopper with your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea. Pair it with fresh berries, Greek yogurt, or a fruit salad for a brunch spread. For a cozy snack, a warm mug of chai or spiced hot chocolate is heavenly alongside a slice.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, turn slices of Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread into French toast, cube and layer in a breakfast parfait, or use as the base for a festive trifle. Individual slices can be wrapped in parchment and tied with twine for sweet, hand-delivered gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread moist and fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to three days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

This bread freezes perfectly. Cool the loaf completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or pop the slices into a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked feel, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop in a toaster oven until heated through. The cinnamon aroma will fill your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are a great standby and often have even more intense banana flavor.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread?

A fork or potato masher works just fine. For an ultra-smooth texture, you can use a hand mixer, but a few small lumps are perfectly fine and add character.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still have a deliciously moist loaf with plenty of cinnamon swirl.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The top should be golden and slightly firm when gently pressed.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Of course! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness and fun flavor twists. It’s a delicious way to put your own spin on Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a loaf of Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread with people you love—or simply treating yourself to a cozy, cinnamon-dusted snack. This recipe invites you to savor cherished flavors and make new memories, one delightful swirl at a time. Give it a try and let your kitchen glow with irresistible aroma and warmth!

Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting blend of sweet bananas and warm cinnamon with this Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread recipe. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this moist and flavorful treat will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Bread:

3 ripe bananas (mashed)
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cinnamon Swirl:

1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas and melted butter. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in baking soda and salt, then stir in flour until just mixed.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Add remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Swirl gently with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.