If you’re in the mood for some cozy baking, cinnamon swirl banana bread is an irresistible choice. This recipe combines the sweet taste of ripe bananas with a warm cinnamon swirl that wraps each slice in comfort.
This recipe tackles the challenges of dryness and blandness, ensuring a moist texture and inviting flavors in homemade banana bread.
I remember the first time I baked banana bread. I had a few overripe bananas staring at me, and a busy schedule made me scramble for a quick fix. With this recipe, I found a simple solution that always turns out tender and delicious, even on hectic days.
This recipe works wonders by keeping the bread moist and flavorful, thanks to the bananas and yogurt. You’ll have a beautiful loaf ready in just over an hour, so you don’t have to wait long to enjoy that comforting smell filling your kitchen.
If you’d like to try another fruity delight, check out my Cottage Cheese Banana Bread recipe for a fun twist!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the presence of all-purpose flour in its ingredients list.
- The recipe contains eggs and butter, so it is unsuitable for vegan diets.
- The recipe suits dairy-free diets only when using 1/3 cup coconut oil instead of butter.
- This recipe does not meet keto or low-carb diets due to high carbohydrate content from bananas and sugars.
- The recipe is nut-free as it contains no nuts or nut-based products.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Moist and Tender Texture The use of mashed bananas and Greek yogurt keeps this banana bread incredibly moist, giving it a soft, tender crumb that’s perfect for enjoying at any time of day.
- Cinnamon Sugar Swirl The generous swirl of cinnamon and sugar adds a lovely contrast to the banana flavor, offering an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen while baking and makes each slice a tasty surprise.
- Simple Preparation With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip up this banana bread, making it a fantastic choice for both spontaneous baking sessions and planned gatherings.
- Great for Sharing Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a sweet treat for dessert, this cinnamon swirl banana bread is sure to impress friends and family, making it ideal for a potluck or a cozy brunch.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread with a rich flavor and perfect texture. Ideal for breakfast or a snack!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 4 Tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 and 1/2 cups (345g) mashed bananas
- 1/3 cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat it to 350°F (177°C).
- Step 2: Grease the 9×5-inch metal loaf pan thoroughly with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and evenly combined to avoid clumps. Set aside.
- Step 4: Using a mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and light in color, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: With the mixer running on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition to emulsify the mixture and create a smooth batter.
- Step 6: Beat in the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and pure vanilla extract until just combined. Ensure bananas are mashed to a soft consistency for even distribution.
- Step 7: On low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and no flour pockets remain. The batter should be chunky with some banana pieces; do not over-mix.
- Step 8: In a separate small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Step 9: Spoon half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Carefully pour and spread the remaining batter on top without disturbing the cinnamon swirl underneath.
- Step 10: Use a knife to gently swirl the batter down the center of the loaf pan, creating visible layers. Avoid over-swirling, which can blend the layers into one another; the goal is distinct swirl patterns.
- Step 11: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Adjust baking time according to oven differences. If browning occurs too quickly, tent the bread with foil after 40 minutes to prevent over-browning while allowing the interior to cook fully.
- Step 12: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan placed on a wire rack for 1 hour. This setting period helps the bread firm up for easier removal. Running a knife gently around the edge before cooling can aid in removing the bread without breaking.
- Step 13: While the bread cools, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream or milk, and pure vanilla extract until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk to reach desired consistency for easy drizzling.
- Step 14: Drizzle the icing over the cooled bread evenly. Allow the icing to set slightly before slicing to achieve cleaner cuts and maintain presentation.
Notes
- Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat for up to 2 days.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Bring bread to room temperature before serving.
- Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before use.
- If bananas are not soft enough for mashing, microwave them for 20 seconds to soften, helping achieve a smooth consistency and evenly distributed banana flavor.
- If the batter appears too thin, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to improve texture and prevent the loaf from collapsing during baking.
- To make the cinnamon swirl more visible after baking, use a knife to create a small groove in the batter before swirling. This prevents over-mixing the swirl.
- If the bread browns too quickly during baking, tent the loaf with foil starting 40 minutes into baking to maintain a golden crust without overcooking the interior.
- Adjust icing consistency by adding milk in 1 teaspoon increments if too thick for drizzling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Ingredient Notes
- Ripe bananas: Look for bananas that are mostly brown or spotted. They’re sweeter and mash better, giving your bread that rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture. Always select a good quality sugar for the best results; it impacts both taste and texture.
- Brown sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar for added moisture and that lovely caramel flavor. The molasses in brown sugar enhances the overall richness.
- Butter: Go for unsalted butter to better control the salt content. It adds density, flavor, and keeps the bread moist. Melt it slightly to help it incorporate smoothly.
- Egg: You’ll need one large egg at room temperature. It helps bind everything and adds moisture, making the bread light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: This is crucial for leavening. Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise, as stale baking soda can lead to dense bread.
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for its warm, aromatic flavor. Freshly opened jars yield the best results, ensuring your bread is beautifully fragrant.
- Vanilla extract: Select pure vanilla extract over imitation for richer flavor. This adds depth and enhances sweetness without overpowering other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Choose a good-quality all-purpose flour for structure. Sifting it can help prevent clumps, ensuring your bread has a smooth texture.
- Ripe bananas: Look for bananas that are mostly brown or spotted. They’re sweeter and mash better, giving your bread that rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture. Always select a good quality sugar for the best results; it impacts both taste and texture.
- Brown sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar for added moisture and that lovely caramel flavor. The molasses in brown sugar enhances the overall richness.
- Butter: Go for unsalted butter to better control the salt content. It adds density, flavor, and keeps the bread moist. Melt it slightly to help it incorporate smoothly.
- Egg: You’ll need one large egg at room temperature. It helps bind everything and adds moisture, making the bread light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: This is crucial for leavening. Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise, as stale baking soda can lead to dense bread.
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for its warm, aromatic flavor. Freshly opened jars yield the best results, ensuring your bread is beautifully fragrant.
- Vanilla extract: Select pure vanilla extract over imitation for richer flavor. This adds depth and enhances sweetness without overpowering other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Choose a good-quality all-purpose flour for structure. Sifting it can help prevent clumps, ensuring your bread has a smooth texture.
Recipe Tips
- If bananas are not soft enough at mashing, microwave them for 20 seconds. This helps achieve a smooth consistency and evenly distributed flavor.
- When the batter appears too thin, add 2 tablespoons of flour for better texture. This adjustment can prevent the loaf from collapsing during baking.
- If the cinnamon swirl isn’t visible after baking, use a knife to create a small groove in the batter before swirling. Doing this helps prevent over-mixing.
- When bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil 40 minutes into baking. This keeps the interior from overcooking while maintaining a golden crust.
- If the icing is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk to reach desired consistency. Thin icing allows for a smoother drizzle over the bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a scoop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey. Include a side of fresh fruit salad or a green smoothie.
Add to oatmeal or yogurt bowls for breakfast. Use in dessert trifle layers or as a topping for pancakes.
Top with a light cream cheese frosting or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Pair with chocolate drizzle or a dollop of whipped cream.
Recipe variations
- You can use chopped walnuts or pecans to add crunch to the cinnamon swirl banana bread. Add up to 1/2 cup mixed into the batter before baking.
- Add ground nutmeg or allspice, about 1/4 teaspoon, to the dry ingredients for additional warmth alongside the cinnamon swirl. Adjust the spices to your preference.
- Either plain yogurt or sour cream can substitute the Greek yogurt in the recipe. Use 1/3 cup to maintain the bread’s tender texture and moisture.
- If using ripe plantains instead of bananas, use the same amount mashed, 1 and 1/2 cups. This variation pairs well with my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Banana Bread for unique holiday flavors.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your cinnamon swirl banana bread fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 7 days. Let the bread come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil inside a freezer bag up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Monkey Bread
- Pumpkin Spice Biscuits
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Scones
- How to Make Pumpkin Madeleines
If you enjoyed this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
