Name: Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup brown sugar

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I absolutely adore this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe because it perfectly captures everything I love about banana bread with a delightful twist. The moist, tender crumb filled with ripe banana flavor pairs so beautifully with gentle ribbons of cinnamon sugar throughout, making every bite feel cozy and comforting. Honestly, this has become my go-to recipe whenever I crave something both sweet and homey that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

For me, the best part about this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is its incredible flavor profile. The bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon sugar swirl adds a subtle spicy warmth that balances the loaf perfectly without overpowering it. Every slice reveals that gorgeous marbled pattern, which isn’t just pretty but gives you the best combination of flavors in each bite. I find it to be just the right amount of sweet and fragrant to satisfy any craving.

Another reason I’m totally hooked on this recipe is how easy it is to make. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet the end result feels special enough to serve guests or treat yourself. You don’t need any fancy equipment or skills, and the step-by-step process is so approachable. Plus, it’s perfect for so many occasions — whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast, a midday snack with tea, or even a light dessert after dinner. I always feel like this loaf stands out because of the cinnamon swirl, which takes classic banana bread to a whole new level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a slice of brown banana bread with a rough, crumbly texture being held above a stack of similar slices. The bread has a golden-brown crust and a soft, moist inside. In the background, a bunch of ripe yellow bananas is slightly out of focus. A woman's hand is holding the slice gently from above. All the items are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon and sugars create that irresistible swirl that makes this bread truly special.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness without overpowering the delicate banana flavor.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the bread’s golden color.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the structure of the bread.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread its soft, tender crumb.
Baking soda: Helps the bread rise nicely and keeps it from becoming dense.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice of the swirl that adds warmth and depth.
Brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for that gooey, caramel-like swirl throughout the bread.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, then set it aside to get ready for your batter.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir gently but thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, folding just until all the flour disappears—be careful not to overmix or the bread might get tough.

Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon with the brown sugar to create your luscious cinnamon swirl mixture.

Step 5: Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then pour the remaining banana batter on top and sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.

Step 7: Using a thin knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter. The idea is to create a marbled pattern without blending it completely, so go easy and enjoy the artistic process.

Step 8: Bake in your preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center, and it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent the top with foil to prevent burning.

Step 9: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps it set perfectly for slicing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 8 to 10 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying throughout the week. The prep time takes around 15 minutes, which is short enough for a busy morning but still satisfying to prepare at a leisurely pace. Baking time is 60 to 70 minutes, depending on your oven, and you’ll want to add about 10 minutes for cooling in the pan before transferring. Altogether, you can expect a total time commitment of approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes before you savor your first perfectly spiced slice.

How to Serve This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

A single slice of brown cake with a golden crust sits on a white plate, showing a light, soft, and airy texture with some darker brown swirls inside. The cake slice has a rough top edge and small crumbs scattered around it on the plate. A silver fork rests partially under the bottom edge of the cake slice, curving gently outward. The plate is placed on a surface with white marbled texture, and natural sunlight casts soft shadows around the cake slice and plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe, I love experimenting with different accompaniments to match the mood. It’s absolutely delicious straight from the loaf, but I often like to add a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese for a luscious contrast. For a brunch or afternoon snack, serving it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt feels indulgent yet balanced.

For presentation, I recommend slicing the bread evenly to highlight the beautiful cinnamon swirl pattern inside. A dusting of powdered sugar on top can add a touch of elegance if you’re serving guests. This bread is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, so I usually slice and serve while it’s still a little warm to bring out the fragrant cinnamon aroma.

As for drinks, I find this banana bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, which complements the cinnamon’s warmth beautifully. If you’re serving it at a cozy gathering, a light dessert wine like a Riesling or a spiced cocktail can make the experience extra special. This recipe really shines at family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or casual get-togethers when you want something comforting and inviting on the table.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is, and I often tweak it depending on what I have in the kitchen or dietary needs. For instance, swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend makes this recipe accessible without losing that soft banana bread texture I adore. You can also replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute to make it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

If you want to change up the flavor, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast. A handful of chocolate chips swirled in with the cinnamon sugar adds a decadent touch, and a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom mixed into the cinnamon sugar can introduce a new layer of warmth. For a different cooking approach, I’ve even made smaller muffins with this batter, reducing baking time to around 20-25 minutes, which works perfectly for bite-sized treats.

Feel free to get creative with toppings too—drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after baking adds sweetness and makes the bread extra pretty for gift-giving or celebrations.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To keep your leftover banana bread fresh, I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, it stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, storing it in the refrigerator can help but may slightly dry it out, so bring it to room temperature before serving for the best experience.

Freezing

This banana bread freezes beautifully. I usually slice it first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method lets me thaw just what I need without thawing the whole loaf. Frozen banana bread will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply transfer slices to the fridge to thaw overnight or use a microwave for a quicker option.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm slices in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This helps restore the bread’s soft texture and brings out the lovely cinnamon aroma. I avoid overheating to prevent drying it out. Adding a tiny bit of butter on top before reheating takes the indulgence to another level.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly once thawed and mashed. They’re often even sweeter and more flavorful, which enhances the banana bread. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing to maintain the right batter consistency.

How ripe should my bananas be for the best banana bread?

I recommend using bananas that are heavily speckled or mostly brown. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. They also mash more easily, which helps create a moist crumb in the finished loaf.

What if I don’t have brown sugar for the cinnamon swirl?

You can substitute light or dark brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar plus a tablespoon of molasses if you have it, or simply use granulated sugar for less depth but still a nice crunchy swirl. The brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel flavor that’s worth trying to keep if possible.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil, vegan butter, or margarine, and ensure your sugar is vegan (some sugars are processed with bone char). This will keep the bread moist and delicious without altering the flavor too much.

How can I tell when my banana bread is fully baked?

The best test is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time. Also, the bread should pull slightly away from the sides of the pan and feel firm to the touch.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe a try because it’s become a cherished favorite in my kitchen. The blend of sweet bananas with the warm cinnamon swirl creates such a comforting and irresistible treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Baking this loaf is simple and rewarding, and sharing it with loved ones makes it even better. When you bake this bread, I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it just like I did!