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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Moist cinnamon swirl banana bread slice with walnuts on a wooden board.

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This recipe transforms classic banana bread with a beautiful, defined ribbon of cinnamon sugar. A simple layering technique ensures a perfect swirl in every slice, resulting in a super moist and comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large very ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth. Whisk in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture just until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour one-third of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar evenly over the batter.
  7. Carefully spoon another third of the batter on top and spread gently. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over this layer.
  8. Top with the final third of the batter and spread to seal.
  9. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the top is golden brown, edges pull away, and a toothpick inserted into the bread portion (not the swirl) comes out clean.
  10. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then, remove from pan and cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use very ripe, spotty bananas. Avoid overmixing the batter and test for doneness in the bread, not the cinnamon swirl layer. Let the loaf cool completely for clean slices.

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