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- 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup brown sugar (for swirl) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl) Gathering the right ingredients is key. Ripe bananas are a must; they add natural sweetness and moisture. Use melted butter for richness. Baking soda helps the bread rise, while a pinch of salt balances flavors. You need sugar for sweetness and a beaten egg for binding. Vanilla extract enhances the taste. Ground cinnamon gives that warm, cozy flavor. All-purpose flour is your base. For the swirl, mix brown sugar with more cinnamon for a sweet surprise inside. - Mixing bowls - Loaf pan (9x5 inch) - Whisk or spoon - Toothpick or knife for swirling Having the right tools makes baking easy. Use mixing bowls to combine your ingredients well. A 9x5 inch loaf pan is perfect for shaping the bread. A whisk or spoon will help mix everything smoothly. Finally, a toothpick or knife will help you create that lovely swirl. With these tools, you’ll set yourself up for success in making this delicious treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease the loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. - In a large bowl, combine the ripe, mashed bananas and melted butter well. - Add baking soda and a pinch of salt. Then, mix in sugar, the beaten egg, and vanilla extract. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and gradually add flour while mixing until just blended. - In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. - Pour half of the banana batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. - Add the rest of the batter on top and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to swirl gently in a figure-eight motion. - Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes. - Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. To make the best cinnamon swirl banana bread, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, the bread can turn out tough. Mix just until you see no dry flour. This keeps your bread soft and fluffy. For banana ripeness, use very ripe bananas. The peels should have dark spots and feel soft. The sweeter the bananas, the better your bread will taste. If your bananas aren’t ripe, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag. You can add nuts or chocolate chips to your banana bread. Walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. Chocolate chips add sweetness and richness. Just fold them into the batter before baking. Feel free to experiment with spices. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can create new flavors. You can also mix in some vanilla bean for extra depth. For serving, slice the banana bread and arrange it on a decorative platter. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top makes it look elegant. You can serve it with butter or cream cheese. This adds a rich taste and a nice contrast to the sweet bread. Consider adding a few banana slices or berries on the side for color. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results. Don't Overmix: Mixing the batter too much can lead to tough banana bread. Mix just until the flour is incorporated for a tender loaf. Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread about 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time for best results. Storing Your Bread: To keep your banana bread moist, store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can easily add nuts to your banana bread. Walnuts or pecans work great. Start by chopping 1/2 cup of your chosen nuts. Mix them into the batter after you add the flour. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Remember, if you want a nut-free version, just skip this step. For a sweet twist, try adding chocolate chips. Use 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. After mixing the batter, fold in the chips gently. This keeps them from sinking to the bottom. You can also sprinkle some on top before baking. They melt and create a gooey topping. To make this banana bread gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for blends that include xanthan gum. This helps mimic the texture of regular flour. Follow the rest of the recipe as is. Your bread will still be moist and tasty! You can store your banana bread at room temperature. Use a plastic wrap or a container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you like, refrigerate it to last longer. But, this may make it a bit dry. So, room temperature is best for short-term storage. To freeze banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then place it in a freezer bag. This keeps it fresh. When you want to eat it, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also warm slices in a toaster oven for a fresh taste. Banana bread stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. For the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Enjoy your moist and flavorful treat! Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first. Drain any extra liquid. Then mash them until smooth. This method works well because frozen bananas become very soft. They add great moisture to your bread. To check if your banana bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. You can also look for a golden brown top. The edges may pull away from the pan slightly. These signs show that your bread is perfect. Absolutely! For mini loaves, reduce the baking time. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Use the same temperature of 350°F (175°C). Adjusting the time helps them bake evenly. Enjoy your mini treats! Now you know how to make delicious banana bread with a cinnamon swirl. You have the right ingredients, tools, and easy steps to follow. Remember to avoid overmixing for the best texture. You can get creative with mix-ins like nuts or chocolate. Store your banana bread properly to keep it fresh for longer. Enjoy your baking, and feel proud of your tasty treat!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

A delightful banana bread with a cinnamon swirl for added flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1.3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar (for swirl)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Mix until well blended.
  • Stir in the baking soda and salt. Then, add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  • Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, then gradually add the flour while mixing until just combined (don't overmix!).
  • In a separate small bowl, prepare the cinnamon swirl by combining brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
  • Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
  • Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the layers together in a figure-eight motion.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Slice the banana bread and arrange it on a decorative platter, dusting the top lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve with butter or cream cheese for an indulgent treat.
Keyword baking, banana bread, cinnamon