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Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread Recipe


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3.9 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf featuring ripe bananas and a delicious cinnamon sugar swirl that creates a beautiful marbled effect. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this bread combines the natural sweetness of bananas with warm, aromatic cinnamon for a comforting treat.


Ingredients

Batter

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 and 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 4 bananas)

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Garnish

  • 6 thin slices of ripe banana


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix Batter: In a large bowl, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the granulated sugar, then add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Stir in the flour and baking soda until just combined. Gently fold in the mashed bananas until the batter is uniform but do not overmix.
  3. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon using a fork until thick and evenly mixed. If the mixture is too thick to swirl, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to thin it out slightly, but avoid making it too runny.
  4. Layer Batter and Swirl – First Layer: Spread about 1 cup (1/4 of the batter) evenly at the bottom of the prepared pan. Dollop approximately 1 tablespoon (1/4 of the swirl mixture) on top and create a thick swirl pattern using a table knife or the bottom of a wooden spoon.
  5. Second Layer and Swirl: Spread about 1 cup (1/3 of the remaining batter) over the first layer. Spoon 1 tablespoon (1/3 of remaining swirl) over this layer and swirl as before.
  6. Third Layer and Swirl: Spread about 1 cup (1/2 of the remaining batter) over the second layer. Add 1 tablespoon (1/2 of the remaining swirl) on top and swirl again.
  7. Final Layer and Garnish: Evenly spread the remaining batter over the top. Dollop the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture and create large swirls throughout. Arrange six thin banana slices down the center of the batter for an attractive garnish.
  8. Bake: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
  9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness and moisture.
  • The thickness of the cinnamon swirl can be adjusted by adding more or less melted butter.
  • Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Storing the bread in an airtight container helps keep it moist for several days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American