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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Moist cinnamon swirl banana bread slice on a rustic wooden cutting board.

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This recipe transforms overripe bananas into a comforting loaf with a sweet cinnamon sugar ribbon. It yields a super moist banana bread that is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Simple ingredients come together for a treat that makes your whole house smell wonderful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large very ripe bananas (about 1.5 cups mashed)
  • 1/3 cup melted butter, slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar (for swirl)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for swirl)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for swirl)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 tablespoon flour, and 1 tablespoon melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Set aside.
  3. Mash bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth. Whisk in 1/3 cup melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle about two-thirds of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
  7. Spoon the remaining batter on top. Sprinkle with the last of the cinnamon swirl.
  8. Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter in a figure-eight pattern 4-5 times. Do not over-swirl.
  9. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  10. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before removing to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use very ripe, spotty bananas for best sweetness and moisture. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter or coconut oil. Add 3/4 cup chocolate chips or walnuts with the dry ingredients if desired. Let bread cool completely for clean slices.

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