Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread – Perfect for Brunch!

Name: Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread – Perfect for Brunch!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
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; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2025-12-09T22:13:14.061Z

This Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a delightful way to use overripe bananas. The sweet aroma of cinnamon fills the kitchen, making it a perfect fit for brunch gatherings.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously moist with a perfect cinnamon swirl
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack

      

The Perfect Brunch Treat

This Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful addition to any brunch table. With its warm, comforting flavors and inviting aroma, it’s an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy morning at home, this banana bread is perfect for sharing. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of fresh juice, making it versatile enough for any meal of the day.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to make. From the moment you start mixing the ingredients, the smell of cinnamon and ripe bananas will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for a comforting brunch experience.

Why Ripe Bananas Are Key

Using ripe bananas is essential for achieving the moist texture and natural sweetness of this banana bread. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, enhancing the flavor and making them easier to mash. The browner the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If you have bananas that are past their prime, this is the perfect recipe to put them to good use instead of tossing them out.

Not only do ripe bananas contribute to the taste, but they also add moisture, helping to keep the bread tender and soft. This is particularly important as banana bread can sometimes turn out dry if not mixed properly. By using perfectly ripe bananas, you ensure that your bread will be deliciously moist every time.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Swirl

To achieve a beautifully marbled cinnamon swirl throughout your banana bread, be sure not to overmix the batter when combining it with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. A gentle swirl with a knife will create that perfect ribbon of sweetness. You want to see the cinnamon swirls peeking through without completely blending it into the batter, which can dilute the flavor.

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. They provide a delightful crunch and contrast against the soft bread, elevating your banana bread experience. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you add too many extra ingredients, as they can affect the cooking time.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

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

For the Cinnamon Swirl

1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Mix the ingredients well and enjoy the aroma!

Directions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix the Banana Bread Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, fold in the flour until just combined.

Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.

Combine and Swirl

Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixture.

Bake the Bread

Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter!

Storing Your Banana Bread

To keep your Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Slice the bread before freezing, so you can easily take out single servings as needed. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. This way, you can always have a delicious slice of banana bread at hand, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this banana bread recipe to suit your taste preferences! Try adding in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty flavor and extra texture. Alternatively, you could mix in some dark or milk chocolate chips for a sweet twist. For a hint of tropical flavor, consider folding in shredded coconut or even some diced pineapple.

If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. These substitutions will provide a different flavor profile and make your banana bread a bit more nutritious without sacrificing taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your banana bread warm, fresh from the oven, for a delightful breakfast treat. You can enjoy it plain, or spread a bit of butter or cream cheese on top for added richness. For a more indulgent option, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream as a dessert.

For a fun twist, toast slices of the banana bread and top them with sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. This simple addition can elevate your banana bread into a gourmet treat, perfect for impressing guests at brunch or enjoying a special weekend breakfast with loved ones.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them first and mash them before adding.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I tell when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean if the bread is fully baked.