Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
There’s something magical about the aroma of bananas and cinnamon baking together — warm, comforting, and perfect for any time of year. This cinnamon swirl banana bread is soft, moist, and filled with a ribbon of cinnamon-sugar that takes classic banana bread to the next level.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft, tender crumb. - Add Eggs and Bananas
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract. - Incorporate Sour Cream
Mix in sour cream for extra moisture — this makes the bread soft and rich. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined (don’t overmix to avoid a dense loaf). - Make Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together. This will create that delicious swirl. - Layer the Batter and Swirl
Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter for a marbled effect. - Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy warm with a pat of butter!
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Avoid overmixing: Stir just until the flour disappears to keep the bread tender.
- Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 310 | 4g | 46g | 12g | 2g | 25g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online calculators and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
This cinnamon swirl banana bread is the ultimate comfort bake — perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. The sweet cinnamon ribbon inside adds a bakery-style touch that makes it extra special. Pin this recipe for those cozy baking days when you want your home to smell like heaven!