Description

This Easy Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread recipe combines moist banana bread with a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl for a deliciously aromatic treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this loaf balances ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a tender crumb that will please any crowd. The cinnamon sugar is swirled throughout the batter to create an attractive marbled effect and added flavor depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Batter

2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cinnamon Swirl

1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Make cinnamon swirl mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set aside for layering later.
Prepare banana batter: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in melted butter thoroughly. Add salt and baking soda, then mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the flour, stirring gently until just incorporated—do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
Layer batter and cinnamon swirl: Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Using a knife or skewer, carefully swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve as a tasty breakfast, brunch, or snack anytime.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar mixture to your taste preference.
Optional: Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.
Frozen bananas work well if thawed before mashing; you may need to adjust flour for moisture.
Butter can be substituted with vegetable or melted coconut oil in equal amounts.
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze banana bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for up to 2–3 months.
To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
Check doneness by toothpick test; avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, classic banana bread, easy banana bread, cinnamon sugar, baked banana bread, breakfast bread, snack bread