When I first started experimenting in my kitchen, I discovered the magic of turning simple ingredients into comforting dishes for my family. This Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread became an instant favorite—its sweet cinnamon swirl dancing through soft, ripe bananas. It’s an easy cinnamon banana bread recipe that’s quick, family-friendly, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Customizable, cozy, and full of flavor, it’s a treat everyone will ask for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is the ultimate combination of comfort and convenience, making it a must-try for any kitchen. With its soft, moist texture and rich cinnamon swirl, this easy cinnamon banana bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. The sweet aroma of ripe bananas blended with cinnamon and brown sugar fills your home, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. This banana bread recipe with cinnamon and vanilla is not only simple to make but also family-friendly, customizable, and adaptable for busy weeknights. You can even add chocolate chips to turn it into a cinnamon swirl banana cake variation or try a healthier cinnamon swirl banana bread version with whole wheat flour. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual gathering, or just a cozy weekend at home, this banana and cinnamon bread from BBC Good Food–inspired flavors will quickly become a staple. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, it’s a recipe everyone will love.
Ingredients for This Recipe
To make the perfect Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread, it’s important to understand the role of each ingredient. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while melted butter adds richness. A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar balances flavor and enhances the cinnamon swirl, giving this easy cinnamon banana bread its signature warmth. Eggs bind the ingredients together and help the bread rise, while vanilla extract adds depth. All-purpose flour provides structure, and a pinch of salt and baking soda ensures a soft, fluffy texture. Ground cinnamon is key for the swirl, adding that comforting aroma that makes this banana bread recipe with cinnamon and vanilla irresistible. Optional chocolate chips or nuts give extra flavor and texture, transforming it into a cinnamon swirl banana cake variation if desired. This combination of ingredients creates a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and family-friendly, perfect for busy mornings or a sweet afternoon treat.
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×5-inch loaf):
For the Bread:
2–3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Add-Ins:
1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
How to Make This Recipe
Making this Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is simple, quick, and rewarding. Start with ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture, combined with melted butter to create a soft, rich base. Granulated sugar and brown sugar enhance the sweetness while balancing the cinnamon swirl, giving this easy cinnamon banana bread a warm, inviting flavor. Eggs bind the batter, and vanilla extract deepens the taste. Flour, baking soda, and salt provide structure, while cinnamon in the swirl infuses every bite with aromatic warmth. Optional chocolate chips or nuts add texture and make this banana bread recipe with cinnamon and brown sugar even more irresistible. By following these steps, you’ll create a family-friendly, cozy loaf perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. This banana and cinnamon bread delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.
🛒 Steps:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mash 2–3 ripe bananas until smooth.
Stir in 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into banana mixture until just combined. Optional: fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts.
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the swirl.
Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon swirl, then add remaining batter and top with remaining cinnamon mixture.
Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar for a marbled effect.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Cooking Tips
Mastering this Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread starts with understanding how each ingredient works together. Ripe bananas are the foundation, providing natural sweetness and moisture that keeps the bread soft. Using both granulated sugar and brown sugar enhances the cinnamon swirl, giving this easy cinnamon banana bread a deep, rich flavor. Eggs and vanilla extract help bind and flavor the batter, while all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt create the perfect structure. Cinnamon in the swirl elevates the warm, aromatic profile, and optional chocolate chips or nuts add texture and indulgence. Following these expert tips ensures your banana bread recipe with cinnamon and vanilla comes out moist, flavorful, and family-friendly every time. This banana and cinnamon bread is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, and with a few simple tricks, you can customize it into a healthier or more indulgent variation.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use very ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
Do not overmix the batter; fold gently to keep the bread tender.
Swirl the cinnamon sugar slowly with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect.
Consider lightly toasting nuts before adding to enhance flavor.
Add chocolate chips for a decadent twist on this banana bread recipe with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Use room-temperature eggs and butter for even mixing and better texture.
Check the bread at 50 minutes, then continue baking until a toothpick comes out clean.
Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature or freeze slices for later.
FAQs
What makes this Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread so moist?
The secret is using very ripe bananas combined with melted butter. This easy cinnamon banana bread keeps its soft texture, while the cinnamon swirl adds flavor and aroma throughout.
Can I make a banana bread recipe with cinnamon and vanilla without extra sugar?
Yes, ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, and the vanilla enhances flavor. You can reduce granulated sugar slightly and still enjoy a soft, flavorful loaf.
How do I make banana bread with cinnamon and brown sugar swirl?
Mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon and gently swirl it into the batter before baking. This creates a warm, aromatic cinnamon swirl that elevates your banana and cinnamon bread.
Can I make a healthier cinnamon swirl banana bread?
Absolutely! Use whole wheat flour or reduce sugar to create a healthier cinnamon swirl banana bread. You can also add nuts or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor without losing moisture.
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This Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is a comforting, flavorful, and versatile treat that everyone will love. With ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a sweet swirl of brown sugar, this easy cinnamon banana bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you stick to the classic banana and cinnamon bread recipe with vanilla or try a variation with chocolate chips or a healthier cinnamon swirl banana bread, it’s quick, family-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Enjoy it warm, toasted, or as part of a brunch spread, and watch this banana bread recipe with cinnamon and brown sugar become a staple in your kitchen. Simple, customizable, and irresistibly aromatic, it’s the ultimate comfort loaf that combines convenience with indulgent flavor.
Print
Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful banana bread with a sweet cinnamon swirl throughout. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this loaf combines ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla for a comforting treat. Optional chocolate chips add an indulgent twist.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×5-inch loaf):
For the Bread:
2–3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Add-Ins:
1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Bread Batter
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Optional: fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Step 4: Layer the Batter & Swirl
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter for a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better — they make the bread naturally sweet.
- Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a dessert-like version.
- Make Ahead: Banana bread can be stored at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Snack / Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American