Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Say hello to your new baking obsession: Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. This loaf is everything you crave in a homemade treat—moist, tender banana goodness laced with a thick, fragrant cinnamon-sugar ribbon running right through the center. Each slice is a perfect balance of comforting flavors, just sweet enough with a kiss of spice, making it a true crowd-pleaser whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee. Get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and win over even the pickiest eaters with this all-time favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is both simple and essential, giving you big flavor without the fuss. Each component plays an important role, from providing structure to amplifying those warm, cozy notes we all love in a classic banana loaf.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving just the right amount of structure to keep each slice sturdy yet ultra-tender.
- Baking soda: Provides that gorgeous lift and fluffy crumb that sets good banana bread apart from the rest.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and intensify every other flavor in the loaf.
- Cinnamon: Infuses warmth throughout the bread and stars in the signature swirl for just the right amount of spice.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s soft for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter, helping to create a beautifully golden crust.
- Brown sugar: Used in both the batter and the swirl for extra moisture and a subtle molasses flavor.
- Eggs: Act as the glue to bind everything together while adding lightness to the bread.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its familiar, cozy aroma.
- Ripe bananas (mashed): The star of the show—choose bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and a faint tang to keep your loaf irresistibly soft and tender.
- Brown sugar & cinnamon (for the swirl): This magical duo creates that gooey, cinnamon-laced layer running right through the middle.
- Optional walnuts or pecans: For a little crunch and earthy flavor, toss in a handful if you like test and texture.
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot for even baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, making sure to get into the corners. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal—no one wants to lose the best piece stuck to the pan!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed, so you won’t have any pockets of baking soda or overly cinnamony bites. This step is quick but important for a uniform crumb.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or some good old-fashioned elbow grease) to beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy mixture—that’s what gives your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread its tender crumb and slightly caramelized flavor. This should take 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Bananas, and Yogurt
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. Then add vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and yogurt (or sour cream). The mixture may look slightly curdled at this point—that’s completely normal and nothing to worry about. You’re building layers of flavor that shine in every bite!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix! Stopping as soon as the last streak of flour disappears gives you a softer, moister bread. If you’re adding nuts, gently fold them in here.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon. This is your swirl magic—simple but totally transformative.
Step 7: Assemble and Swirl
Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out gently, then finish with more cinnamon sugar. Take a knife and gently swirl the cinnamon layer through the batter for those gorgeous streaks running through each slice.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Pop your loaf in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine!). Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Waiting helps the bread set and makes it less likely to break apart. Once cooled completely, your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is ready to slice!
How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Garnishes
Consider lightly dusting the top with a bit of powdered sugar for a pretty finish or drizzling with a simple vanilla glaze for special occasions. Chopped toasted nuts make a lovely crunchy topper, while a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this bread into a cozy dessert.
Side Dishes
A cup of strong coffee or a chai latte is absolute perfection alongside Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. For a brunch spread, serve slices next to Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or scrambled eggs for a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bread into thick slices and serve warm with a pat of butter, or toast slices and slather them with almond or peanut butter for breakfast on the go. For gatherings, slice the loaf into elegant fingers, arrange on a platter, and let the gorgeous cinnamon swirls steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist, and it’ll stay fresh on the counter for up to three days. If your home tends to be warm, opt for storing in the refrigerator to extend its life a bit longer while preserving that fabulous texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) securely in a double layer of plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Label with the date, and pop it into the freezer for up to two months! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours on the counter.
Reheating
Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or reheat whole loaf slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10–15 minutes. This will bring back that just-baked, aromatic magic—all the better when enjoyed with a cup of something cozy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just let the bananas thaw and drain off any excess liquid before mashing and using them. Frozen bananas tend to be even sweeter, making your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread extra flavorful.
What’s the best way to achieve a perfect cinnamon swirl?
Make sure your cinnamon-sugar mixture is evenly sprinkled and gently swirl it with a knife through the batter without overmixing. You want distinct ribbons running through the loaf for that gorgeous, bakery-style effect.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure it’s one that contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture in your Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.
Why is my banana bread dry?
The two biggest culprits are overmixing the batter and overbaking. Mix just until combined and watch your bake time closely, checking for doneness with a toothpick. The added yogurt or sour cream also keeps things moist, so don’t skip it!
Can I add chocolate chips or fruits?
Of course! Feel free to toss in chocolate chips, blueberries, or even dried cherries for a new twist. About half a cup of add-ins does the trick without overwhelming the cinnamon swirl layers.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says “welcome home” quite like a loaf of Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread cooling on the counter. Whether you share it with friends, serve it at brunch, or stash a secret slice for yourself, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with every cozy, cinnamon-swirled bite!
Print
Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of cinnamon and banana with this Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, this banana bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- ¼ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla, mashed bananas, and yogurt. Stir until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Layer Batter and Swirl Mixture: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra texture, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Store banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
