This banana bread is super easy to make and adds a delightful cinnamon swirl that makes it oh-so-tasty! Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s moist and full of flavor.
Baking this bread fills your kitchen with a heavenly smell—it’s like a warm hug! I love to enjoy a slice fresh out of the oven with a bit of butter. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This recipe calls for regular all-purpose flour, which provides a nice structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, place unpeeled ones in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until soft. Just let them cool before mashing!
Sour Cream/Yogurt: Both offer moisture and a slight tang. If you want to lighten it up, use low-fat yogurt. Alternatively, applesauce can replace sour cream for a healthier option.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor. For something different, try using a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
How Do I Get That Perfect Swirl in My Banana Bread?
The swirling technique is fun and easy! You want to create that beautiful mix of banana bread and cinnamon without overdoing it.
- Once you’ve layered the batter and cinnamon mixture, use a knife to gently drag through in a zigzag or circular motion.
- Be careful not to stir too much; just a couple of swirls will create the pretty pattern while keeping the layers visible.
- The key is to stop swirling once you see a mix, but still notice the layers for that gorgeous look.
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Banana Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
- For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup (65g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 55–65 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to allow about 10 minutes to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 25 minutes to enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bread easier later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This will help ensure the bread rises nicely!
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Adding the Eggs and Bananas:
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the sour cream (or yogurt) to your banana mixture. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and fold them in gently with a spatula until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until you have a crumbly mixture. This will add that delicious swirl we love!
7. Layering the Batter:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just a nice swirl will do!
8. Finishing Up:
Now, pour in the rest of the banana bread batter and add the remaining cinnamon mixture on top. Swirl again gently to create those beautiful cinnamon layers.
9. Baking:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
10. Cooling:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the banana bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing into it.
Enjoy your delicious, moist cinnamon swirl banana bread! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work great for banana bread as they’re usually very ripe and sweet!
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in about ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. They add a delightful crunch and flavor!
What Should I Do If the Bread Is Still Wet Inside After Baking?
If your banana bread seems undercooked after the recommended baking time, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, and return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Check again with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean.
