This banana bread is super easy to make and is packed with the warm flavor of cinnamon. The swirl of sweet cinnamon makes every slice extra special!
Sometimes, I catch myself just eating the crust while waiting for it to cool. It’s hard to resist that smell! 😋 I love having a slice with my morning coffee for a cozy treat.
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is great for a classic texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat flour works well too! Just keep in mind it can make the bread denser.
Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 300°F. You can also use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute, which adds moisture.
Sour cream or plain yogurt: They both add moisture and richness. If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or a nut-based yogurt to keep it creamy.
Cinnamon: This is essential for that warm flavor. If you want a twist, try using pumpkin pie spice instead! It adds a lovely depth.
How Do I Get the Perfect Swirl in My Banana Bread?
Swirling the cinnamon sugar into the batter can really elevate your banana bread. Here’s how to do it right:
- After adding the first layer of batter, gently sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mix across it. Don’t dump it all in one spot!
- Spread the remaining batter carefully on top without disturbing the cinnamon layer too much.
- When adding the last bit of cinnamon sugar on top, give it a gentle swirl with a knife. Make S-shaped motions for best results!
Taking your time with these steps ensures that you get that beautiful marbled look and a great burst of flavor in every bite!
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy banana bread takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 60-70 minutes of baking, plus an additional 10 minutes of cooling. In no time, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Started with the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven heats up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make for easy removal later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended. Set the bowl aside while you work on the rest.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Grab a large mixing bowl and cream the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a nice texture, so take your time!
4. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the mashed bananas and sour cream until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix as this can make the bread dense.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and the tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This blend is what gives your bread that yummy swirl!
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
8. Finish with the Remaining Batter:
Carefully pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it evenly. Now, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of this final layer. It’s going to smell amazing already!
9. Swirl it Up:
Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect. Just a few swirls will do the trick—don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose that pretty design!
10. Bake and Cool:
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once it’s cool, slice yourself a piece and enjoy this delightful cinnamon-swirled banana bread with a cup of tea or coffee!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in banana bread. Just make sure to thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash them before adding to the batter. They’ll add wonderful moisture and sweetness!
Can I Substitute Different Sweeteners?
Yes! You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor. Additionally, coconut sugar or honey can be used, but adjust the quantities accordingly, as honey will add more liquid to the batter.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. It can last up to 3 months frozen!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in half a cup of walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the quantity if you prefer a lighter loaf.
