I still remember the first time I nailed this cinnamon swirl banana bread. It wasn’t love at first bite—those early attempts were a little too dense or missing that perfect swirl of cinnamon magic. But the moment everything clicked? Oh, that was pure kitchen joy. I finally had a homemade banana bread that was moist, flavorful, and beautiful with its signature cinnamon swirl. Now, this cinnamon swirl banana bread has become my go-to when I want a comforting treat that isn’t fussy or time-consuming.
This recipe fits perfectly into my baking life because it’s both reliable and so satisfying. On busy weeknights or slow weekend mornings, I turn to this banana cinnamon loaf to fill the house with warming aromas and to keep my family happy. Baking this cinnamon swirl banana bread means I get to share a slice of cozy goodness with friends or enjoy a comforting moment with my cup of tea. It reminds me a little of the cinnamon swirl pancakes I once loved (found a lovely version here)—but in bread form that lasts a bit longer and satisfies a different kind of craving.
If you’ve been on the hunt for a dependable homemade banana bread that’s anything but plain, I truly believe this cinnamon swirl banana bread recipe will become a favorite for you, too. Whether you’re a beginner or have baked many banana breads before, the method is clear and the results are dependable. Plus, it feels so good to pull a golden loaf from the oven, its crust lightly crisp yet soft inside with that beautiful cinnamon swirl running through each slice.
Jump in with me, friends—this cinnamon swirl banana bread is one you’ll want on your baking rotation.
What You’ll Need for This cinnamon swirl banana bread:
Here’s the simple ingredient list that makes this cinnamon swirl banana bread a crowd-pleaser every time:
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed) – Perfect if they’re a bit spotty; the riper, the better!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For just the right sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds warmth and depth to your banana cinnamon loaf.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil – You can swap with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature is best for easy mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that homemade banana bread aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Easy to find at any grocery store.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps keep your bread light and moist.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Another lift agent that works with the bananas.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – This is the hero of your cinnamon swirl.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl) – The sweet cinnamon mix that goes in the middle.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl) – To swirl through and create that signature look.
This cinnamon swirl banana bread is affordable because it uses pantry basics that I bet you already have. If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar works fine in the swirl, but that little molasses kick really lifts the flavor. Don’t have oil on hand? Melted butter or coconut oil can work, too. You can find all these ingredients easily at your local market.
A quick prep tip: mash the bananas with a fork in a large bowl first, so you can add your sugars right after. It saves time cleaning extra dishes. Also, store your flour in an airtight container to keep it fresh for this and other baked goodies.
I always add a little extra cinnamon in the swirl—because who doesn’t want more of that cozy spice in their banana cinnamon loaf? This simple addition makes each bite feel a bit more special.
How to Make This cinnamon swirl banana bread:
Ready to bake this cinnamon swirl banana bread together? From start to finish, you’re looking at about an hour, including baking and prep. Let’s get cracking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This helps your cinnamon swirl banana bread come out clean and beautiful.
- Prepare the cinnamon swirl. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside. This will give your bread its lovely signature swirl and spicy sweetness.
- Mash the bananas. In a large bowl, mix your 3 ripe bananas until smooth. Next, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until everything is combined.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. I find that sifting these first helps the dry ingredients blend smoothly.
- Combine wet and dry. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix. The gentler you are, the more tender your cinnamon swirl banana bread will be.
- Layer the cinnamon swirl. Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Add the rest of the batter. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top.
- Create the swirl. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter. This is the step where a gentle hand makes all the difference with your cinnamon swirl banana bread. Don’t overdo it—just enough to create ribbons of cinnamon magic.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes. Insert a toothpick around 50 minutes to check doneness. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If your cinnamon swirl banana bread looks golden and the edges are pulling away slightly from the pan, you’re on track.
- Cool and enjoy. Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Your kitchen will smell heavenly when this cinnamon swirl banana bread is ready.
While your loaf bakes, take a moment to tidy up or enjoy a quick cup of tea. The anticipation makes that first slice even better.
For those curious about shortcuts: mixing the cinnamon swirl together while your oven preheats saves time, and using ripe bananas that you can freeze in advance means you’re always ready to bake this banana cinnamon loaf soon.
If you want to see other cinnamon swirl banana bread takes, check out the fantastic recipes at The BakerMama or Katiebird Bakes. Their variations show just how adaptable this recipe can be.
Serving Your cinnamon swirl banana bread:
There’s something about the first slice of cinnamon swirl banana bread that feels like a warm hug. I love to serve it slightly warm, slathered with a bit of softened butter or cream cheese for an extra treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or chai tea.
This bread is perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or even a cozy dessert. I often bring it along to family gatherings where it disappears fast. On chillier days, serving it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds a great crunch and sweetness.
Simple decoration ideas like a dusting of powdered sugar or a few walnut pieces on top before baking can make your loaf look even more inviting. Leftovers? Toast slices lightly—it revives the flavors and adds a nice crispness.
For seasonal variations, I’ve tried adding chopped apples and swapped in pumpkin puree for a fall twist. Both ways kept the bread moist and delicious. It’s been a real crowd-pleaser at holiday brunches and potlucks alike.
If you enjoy this, you might love my peanut butter banana oat bars (check them out here) too. They share a lot of the same cozy, homey vibes.
Common Questions About This cinnamon swirl banana bread:
Can I make this cinnamon swirl banana bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often bake it a day before serving. It stays moist when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices individually for longer storage and thaw them quickly in a toaster oven.
What’s a good substitute for vegetable oil in this cinnamon swirl banana bread?
Melted butter works wonderfully and adds richness. Coconut oil is another alternative which gives a subtle flavor twist. Just make sure to melt and cool it slightly before mixing.
How can I adjust this cinnamon swirl banana bread for different pan sizes?
If you want to make muffins or use a smaller loaf pan, reduce the baking time. Muffins usually take about 20-25 minutes. If using a bigger pan, keep a close eye on it; it might need an extra 5-10 minutes.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add lovely texture and flavor. Chocolate chips bring a sweeter touch and go surprisingly well with the cinnamon and banana.
Why isn’t my banana bread moist?
The ripeness of your bananas matters; overripe ones are key for moist banana bread. Also, avoid overmixing your batter, as that can make the texture tough instead of tender.
Why does the cinnamon swirl sometimes sink to the bottom?
Try to sprinkle the swirl mixture in layers—half on the bottom, half on top of the middle batter layer. And don’t stir it too much after adding; just a gentle swirl keeps it suspended nicely.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, many gluten-free all-purpose blends work well. I recommend one with xanthan gum for best texture. The bread may be a little denser but still delicious.
For more helpful insights and tips, Sally’s Baking has a great rundown on cinnamon swirl banana bread troubleshooting that you might find useful.
Final Thoughts on This cinnamon swirl banana bread:
This cinnamon swirl banana bread holds a very special place in my recipe collection. It’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that never fails to bring smiles. The balance of moist banana bread with that warm cinnamon swirl really sets it apart.
My Top Tips for This cinnamon swirl banana bread:
– Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
– Don’t overmix the batter; gentle folding keeps the texture tender.
– Layer your cinnamon swirl evenly and swirl gently for the best appearance.
If you want to try something different, I love adding chopped nuts, a splash of orange zest, or even a drizzle of cream cheese glaze on top. The banana cinnamon loaf with cream cheese glaze is often my most requested version at family brunches.
I encourage you to make this cinnamon swirl banana bread your own. Play with little tweaks and see what your family loves. Baking should feel fun, achievable, and, most of all, delicious.
I hope you find as much joy in this cinnamon swirl banana bread as I do when it fills my kitchen with cozy warmth and invites everyone for a comforting bite.
For more cozy recipes to try next, check out my gingerbread protein snacks (here) or dive into the versions over at The BakerMama for even more inspiration.
cinnamon swirl banana bread
Moist and flavorful cinnamon swirl banana bread that combines ripe bananas and warm cinnamon for the perfect breakfast or snack treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 4×8 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 baking soda and salt.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Stir in the flour until just incorporated.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter.
- Pour in the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.