This cinnamon swirl banana bread is super easy to whip up and smells amazing while baking. With ripe bananas and a swirl of cinnamon, it’s soft, sweet, and absolutely comforting!
Let’s face it, banana bread is a classic for a reason! I love to enjoy a warm slice with my morning coffee. It’s like a cozy hug in a loaf! 🍌☕
What’s great is how simple it is to make. Just mash the bananas, mix everything together, and let your oven do the magic. Your kitchen will smell heavenly in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your banana bread. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free blend can work well, though the texture may vary a little.
Bananas: The riper, the better! Large, overripe bananas give the best flavor and sweetness. If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree could be a good substitute.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have either, plain milk or buttermilk works too but may slightly change the texture.
Cinnamon: The star of the swirl! You can also use pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor or even try nutmeg for a unique twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Banana Bread is Moist and Delicious?
The secret to moist banana bread lies in correctly mixing and measuring your ingredients. Start by creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy, which adds air and helps keep the bread soft. Don’t overmix the batter when adding dry ingredients, as this can make the bread dense.
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe; they should be brown for the best flavor.
- When swirling the cinnamon sugar, don’t overdo it—just a few gentle swirls will create nice marbling.
- Check for doneness using a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Allowing your banana bread to cool in the pan for a bit helps set the structure. Enjoy a slice with butter or cream cheese for an extra treat!
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and 60-70 minutes to bake, giving you about 75-85 minutes of total time from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or weekend baking project!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, go ahead and grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to mix these first so that your banana bread rises beautifully. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or a whisk. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Then add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix everything until blended together well.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bread dense!
6. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together for the swirl. This is where the magic happens!
7. Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Mixture:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter for that sweet swirl. Then pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top.
8. Create the Swirl:
Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. Don’t overdo it; you want a nice marbled effect, not a mixed batter!
9. Bake the Bread:
Pop the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the banana bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into slices and enjoy warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with a spread of butter or cream cheese!
Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon swirl banana bread! It’s a perfect treat for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them first. Once thawed, drain any excess moisture and mash them well before adding to your batter. This will give you the same wonderful flavor and moisture!
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
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 freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Of course! Feel free to fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips before pouring the batter into the loaf pan. This adds a delicious crunchy or chocolatey twist to your banana bread!
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream or Yogurt?
If you don’t have sour cream or yogurt, you can substitute it with an equal amount of milk or buttermilk. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
