This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a warm and cozy treat! It combines ripe bananas with a sweet cinnamon swirl, creating a deliciously fragrant loaf.
It’s great for breakfast or a snack. I love how the smell fills my kitchen as it bakes. Plus, it’s perfect for using up those overripe bananas sitting on the counter!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The more ripe, the better! Look for bananas with brown spots – they are sweeter. If you don’t have bananas, you can substitute with applesauce, about 1/3 cup for each banana.
Melted Unsalted Butter: This adds rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, melted coconut oil works well too, giving a nice hint of coconut flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used here, but you can mix it up with brown sugar for a richer taste. You can also use cane sugar or even a sugar substitute for a healthier option.
Egg: To make it vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). It works beautifully!
All-Purpose Flour: If you want a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free flour blend. It usually requires no adjustments to the recipe!
What’s the Best Technique for Achieving an Even Cinnamon Swirl?
Swirling the cinnamon and sugar into the batter is key to the lovely design and flavor. Here’s how to get that perfect swirl:
- Pour half of the batter into your greased pan first. This layer creates a base for the swirl.
- Sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mix evenly over the batter. This ensures even flavor.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, then add the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Swirl Gently: Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl through the batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix; you want swirls, not a fully integrated batter.
This technique adds a beautiful look and delicious surprise in every slice! Enjoy baking!
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-65 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool for about 10 minutes after baking before slicing. In total, you’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes of time until you get to enjoy your delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take your 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it well to prevent the bread from sticking. You can use butter or a non-stick spray!
2. Mixing the Banana Bread Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until they’re smooth. Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix them together well. Next, stir in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.
3. Adding Dry Ingredients:
Now, sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over your banana mixture and mix it in. Finally, add the flour and stir gently until just incorporated—be careful not to overmix, or your bread might be tough!
4. Making the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl. Give it a good mix so the flavors blend well.
5. Assembling the Banana Bread:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the other half of the batter on top, and finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
6. Swirling the Mixture:
To create a lovely cinnamon swirl, take a butter knife or skewer and gently swirl through the batter. Just a few gentle strokes will do to create a marbled effect!
7. Baking Time:
Pop the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Keep an eye on it—it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it’s golden brown and smells amazing, you’re on the right track!
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy your warm, delightful cinnamon swirl banana bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work great and can even make the bread extra moist!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend! Make sure to check the blend’s instructions as some might require additional adjustments.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Banana Bread?
To reheat, simply slice a piece and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or toast it lightly in a toaster. This will bring back its delicious warmth and make it extra cozy!