Banana bread is one of those timeless recipes that feels like home—soft, moist, and comforting. But this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread takes the classic loaf to the next level with a ribbon of sweet cinnamon sugar running through the middle. Each slice reveals a beautiful marbled swirl that looks impressive and tastes even better.
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, this bread delivers the perfect mix of sweet banana flavor and warm spice. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got a little slice of comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Classic meets cozy – the nostalgic taste of banana bread with the added indulgence of cinnamon sugar.
✨ Beautiful swirl – not only delicious but also visually stunning when sliced.
✨ Perfectly moist – made with ripe bananas and just the right balance of butter and sugar.
✨ Versatile – great for brunch, gifting, or meal prep (it freezes beautifully!).
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon mixture, then top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon mixture on top.
- Use a knife to swirl gently for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Tent with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Swirl lightly: Don’t overmix, or you’ll lose the beautiful ribbon effect.
- Optional glaze: Drizzle with a simple vanilla icing (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) for a dessert-like finish.
- Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even diced apples for extra flavor.
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze (without glaze) for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is the best of both worlds—comforting and familiar, yet special enough for entertaining or gifting. With its tender crumb, warm cinnamon layers, and cozy aroma, it’s a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.