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- 3 ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon baking soda - A pinch of sea salt - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar To make this banana bread, you need ripe bananas. Ripe bananas bring a sweet flavor. They also mash easily. You want them soft and brown for the best taste. Next, use unsalted butter. Melt it first. The butter adds richness and helps the bread rise. Baking soda is key for lightness. It helps the bread rise as it bakes. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness. For sweetness, you will use both granulated and brown sugar. Granulated sugar gives a nice sweetness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. You will also need one egg. The egg binds everything together. It helps the bread rise and stay fluffy. Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor. Use pure vanilla for the best taste. All-purpose flour is the base for the bread. It gives the bread structure. Finally, you need ground cinnamon. It adds that lovely swirl and warm flavor. Brown sugar will mix with the cinnamon for a sweet topping. Gathering these ingredients makes it easy to create a tasty treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat Oven First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat is perfect for baking. - Grease the Loaf Pan Take a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Use butter or non-stick spray to grease it. This will help the bread come out easy. - Combine Mashed Bananas and Butter In a large bowl, mix 3 ripe bananas with 1/3 cup melted butter. Stir until smooth. - Add Baking Soda and Salt Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of sea salt. Mix well. - Incorporate Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until mixed. - Fold in All-Purpose Flour Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined to keep it fluffy. - Mix Cinnamon and Brown Sugar In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar. This will be your swirl. - Layering and Swirling the Batter Pour half of the banana batter into the pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mix on top. Then, add the rest of the batter and swirl the rest of the mix in. - Bake and Check for Doneness Place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for 60-65 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. - Cooling Process Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool fully. - Use Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas have a darker peel and more spots. They add great sweetness and moisture to your bread. The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. - Proper Mixing Techniques: Mix the ingredients gently. Over-mixing makes the bread tough. You want a soft and tender crumb, so mix just until combined. - Don't Over-mix the Batter: Stir just enough to combine. If you see flour, it’s time to stop. This keeps your banana bread soft and fluffy. - Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer. Ovens can be off by a lot. A proper temperature helps the bread bake evenly. - Garnishing with Cinnamon Sugar: After baking, dust the top with cinnamon sugar. This adds a sweet touch and makes it look appealing. - Adding Cream Cheese Spread: Serve with a dollop of cream cheese spread. It makes each slice rich and creamy. A sprig of mint adds color and freshness. Pro Tips Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results. Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour into the batter, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light and fluffy bread. Swirl Carefully: When adding the cinnamon sugar layer, use a knife to create gentle swirls rather than mixing it in completely. This will create beautiful visual stripes in the finished bread. Storage Tips: Keep your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for longer freshness. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months! {{image_4}} Adding walnuts or pecans gives your banana bread a crunchy twist. It adds flavor and texture. I suggest using about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Fold them into the batter just before pouring it into the pan. This small change makes your bread even more delightful! Incorporating chocolate chips is another fun twist. It brings a sweet, rich taste that pairs well with bananas. Use about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix them in with the other ingredients before you swirl in the cinnamon sugar. This variation is sure to please chocolate lovers! Using whole wheat flour or sugar substitutes helps make a healthier banana bread. Whole wheat flour adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Substitute white sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness. Keep the measurements the same when swapping ingredients. These simple swaps can make your treat a bit more guilt-free! You can store banana bread at room temperature or in the fridge. If you choose room temperature, wrap the bread in foil or plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh for about three days. The fridge can help it last a bit longer, up to a week. But, it may get dry. If you want the best taste, keep it at room temperature. To freeze banana bread, follow these steps for the best results: - Allow the bread to cool completely. - Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. - Then, wrap it again in foil or place it in a freezer bag. - Label and date it. This way, it can last up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your leftover banana bread, try these methods: - Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. - Microwave: Heat slices for about 15-20 seconds. This warms it quickly but can make it a bit soft. - Toaster: Toast slices for a crispy outside and warm inside. Each method brings out its yummy flavors, so choose what fits your mood! Use bananas that are very ripe. They should have dark spots and feel soft. This ripeness gives the bread a rich flavor and natural sweetness. You want bananas that are past the yellow stage. The more brown spots, the better! Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them first. To prepare, let them sit at room temperature. Once thawed, drain any extra liquid. Mash them well before adding to the batter. This keeps the texture smooth and tasty. Check your banana bread with a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If there’s batter on the toothpick, bake it a bit longer. This test is simple and very reliable. In this post, we covered the essential ingredients and steps for perfect cinnamon swirl banana bread. You learned how to mix, bake, and store it properly. I shared tips to keep it moist and avoid common mistakes. Don’t forget the fun variations to make it your own! Banana bread is simple yet rewarding. With practice, you'll bake amazing loaves every time. Enjoy your baking journey and share those delicious results with others!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

A deliciously moist banana bread with a delightful cinnamon swirl.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pieces ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • a pinch sea salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  • Sprinkle the baking soda and salt into the banana concoction, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
  • Incorporate the granulated sugar, the beaten egg, and the vanilla extract into the banana mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
  • Gradually fold the all-purpose flour into the batter, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which is essential for a fluffy texture.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar, mixing them together thoroughly to create a delightful swirl mix.
  • Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
  • Gently layer in the remaining banana batter and follow with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife to swirl it delicately through the batter, creating a beautiful ribbon pattern.
  • Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s perfectly baked.
  • Once done, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve slices of the warm banana bread with a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar for a pleasing look. For an extra indulgent touch, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese spread on top. A sprig of mint can provide a beautiful and fresh garnish on the side, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
Keyword baking, banana bread, cinnamon