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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf that combines the softness of ripe bananas with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl running through the middle. Enhanced with a subtle vanilla drizzle, this bread offers a perfect blend of comforting aromas and indulgent taste, ideal for breakfast, a snack, or light dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Batter

  • 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

Cinnamon Swirl

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Vanilla Drizzle (Optional)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the batter.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  4. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar thoroughly. This cinnamon-sugar mixture will create the signature swirl in your banana bread.
  5. Layer Batter and Cinnamon Mixture: Pour half of the banana bread batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer. Then pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the remaining cinnamon mixture.
  6. Create the Swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar through the batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl so the distinctive ribbon remains visible in the loaf.
  7. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the bread starts to brown too rapidly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  8. Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to preserve the tender texture.
  9. Prepare and Apply Vanilla Drizzle (Optional): Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and drizzleable. Drizzle this icing over the cooled banana bread for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • For a moist texture without excess butter, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
  • Do not over-swirl the cinnamon mixture to maintain the visual ribbon effect inside the bread.
  • The vanilla drizzle is optional but highly recommended for added flavor and sweetness.
  • Freezing suggestions: The bread freezes well for up to 3 months, preferably without the drizzle.
  • You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier variation or use frozen bananas if fresh ones are unavailable.
  • Try adding chopped apples or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor variation.

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, cinnamon sugar, vanilla drizzle, moist banana bread, breakfast bread, easy baking, homemade banana bread, cinnamon swirl loaf

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/cinnamon-swirl-banana-bread-recipe/