Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful and comforting treat that brings the warmth of home baking to your kitchen. With its sweet banana flavor and a swirl of cinnamon sugar, this bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. It’s easy to make, and your whole family will love it!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. This recipe is simple, requires basic ingredients, and comes together quickly. Plus, the smell of cinnamon baking in the oven is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a new baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and rewarding!
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious banana bread.
Ingredients:
- Ripe Bananas (3 medium)
- All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups)
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup)
- Eggs (2 large)
- Unsalted Butter, melted (1/2 cup)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
- Brown Sugar for cinnamon swirl (1/3 cup)
- Ground Cinnamon for swirl (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Unsalted Butter, melted for swirl (2 tablespoons)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Set aside.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are fine—they add texture to the bread.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top and use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon swirl, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
You can serve Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread plain, or with a spread of butter or cream cheese for extra richness. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
How to Store Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
To store your banana bread, let it cool completely on a wire rack. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Feel free to add walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist!
Variation
You can make this recipe with different spices, such as nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. You can also substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely before mashing and use as directed in the recipe.How can I tell 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 moist crumbs, your bread is done.Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and use two loaf pans, or bake one loaf and freeze the other half of the batter for later.
Enjoy baking and sharing your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread!