Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes the best comfort food comes from simple ingredients and a little bit of love. Today, we’re diving into a cherished recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, a scrumptious treat that brings a cozy aroma into your kitchen and warms your heart with every bite. Seriously, who doesn’t love the combination of sweet bananas and cinnamon goodness? It’s like getting a warm hug from the inside out!
Why Make This Recipe
So why should you whip up this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread? First off, it’s super easy! Even if you’re just starting out in the baking world or have had a few cooking mishaps (we’ve all been there, right?), this recipe will make you feel like a pro.
Plus, let’s be honest, you probably have some overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter right now, begging to be transformed. Instead of tossing them in the trash, why not channel that energy into creating something magical? This bread is a delightful way to use up those bananas and showcase them in a way that everyone will love.
And let’s not forget about the smell wafting through your home while it bakes. The warm, inviting scent of cinnamon combined with those rich banana notes is sure to make your home feel like a haven of comfort. It’s that kind of aroma that brings everyone to the kitchen, and you’ll be the star of the show!
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Alright, my friends, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to it! Here’s how you can make your very own Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread:
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You want your beautiful bread to slide right out when it’s done!
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. This is a great way to get those frustrations out, so mash away! Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
Next, mix in the baking soda and salt. These little heroes will help your bread rise beautifully. After that, add in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until everything is nicely blended.
Now it’s time for the flour! Gently stir in the flour until just incorporated. You don’t want to over-mix, let’s keep that tender crumb we all love!
In a separate bowl, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar. This is the magic swirl that will make your banana bread extra special.
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter over it, then sprinkle with the leftover cinnamon-sugar mix.
Take a knife and gently swirl through the batter. Not too much though; we want those beautiful swirls to shine!
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell in your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Serving your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is just as fun as making it! It’s perfect warm right out of the oven, but you can also let it cool completely for a lovely treat any time of the day. Slice it up and enjoy it plain, or spread a little butter on top for an extra indulgent touch.
This bread is also fantastic with a cup of coffee or tea. Imagine those cozy morning moments, settling into a warm beverage while you take your first bite of that cinnamon-swirled goodness.
How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
To keep your homemade banana bread fresh, wrap the leftover slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can pop it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can also freeze it. Just slice it up, wrap each slice in foil, and put them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw a slice (or two!) at room temperature.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Those brown spots mean extra sweetness and flavor.
Don’t Overmix: When you add the flour, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bread.
Check Your Oven: Every oven is a little different. Keep an eye on your bread, and do the toothpick test a few minutes before the timer goes off.
Add Nuts or Chocolate: If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for an extra special touch.
Variation
Feel free to switch things up! You can add a splash of nutmeg for a different spice profile or even some shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The beauty of baking is that you can make it your own!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them out, drain any excess liquid, and mash them as you would fresh bananas.
2. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar if need be! You won’t get the same depth of flavor, but it’ll still taste great.
3. How can I make this gluten-free?
You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. It’s an easy swap and still delicious!
So there you have it, my friend! Your very own Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, perfect for any occasion or just because you need a little sweetness in your life. Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A scrumptious treat that combines the delightful flavors of sweet bananas and warm cinnamon, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth and stir in the melted butter.
- Mix in the baking soda and salt, then add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
- Gently stir in the flour until just incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then pour the remaining batter over it and sprinkle with the leftover cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Gently swirl through the batter with a knife.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serve warm or cool with butter. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg