Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Introduction
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a comforting swirl of cinnamon sugar. This easy-to-make bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. With each slice, you’ll enjoy a soft texture and a warm cinnamon flavor that’s hard to resist.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is not only simple but also a great way to use up overripe bananas. It’s a delicious and comforting recipe that everyone in the family will love. Plus, the cinnamon swirl adds an extra touch of sweetness that makes this bread stand out from regular banana bread. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day—it’s simply irresistible!
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare the Loaf Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash the Bananas & Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Then, mix in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Slowly sift in the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined without overmixing.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a separate small bowl, mix the ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon together.
- Layer the Batter & Cinnamon Swirl: Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, then add the rest of the banana batter and finish with the remaining cinnamon swirl.
- Add the Topping (Optional): If you like, sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar on top of the loaf for an added crunch.
- Bake the Banana Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it further by spreading a bit of butter or cream cheese on top. Serve it warm for a cozy treat, or enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
To store your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or microwave it for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
- Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft texture.
- Experiment with adding nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding ingredients like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or even some shredded coconut to the batter. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
2. What can I use instead of eggs?
You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan option. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
3. How do I know when the banana bread is done?
The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this delicious Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread!
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup) Ensure bananas are very ripe for best flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
- 2 large eggs Can substitute with flaxseed meal or applesauce for vegan option.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Cinnamon Swirl
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Mix in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Slowly sift in the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined without overmixing.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon together.
Assembly
- Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, then add the rest of the banana batter and finish with the remaining cinnamon swirl.
- If desired, sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar on top of the loaf for an added crunch.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
