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To make this delightful cinnamon swirl banana bread, gather these items: - 3 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/3 cup melted butter - 1 teaspoon baking soda - Pinch of salt - 3/4 cup sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor) - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for the swirl) - 2 tablespoons sugar (for the swirl) You can switch some items if you wish. For bananas, use 2 large bananas or 4 small ones. Instead of butter, try coconut oil or vegetable oil. If you want less sugar, use 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup. You can also replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. If you want a nutty crunch, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Choose bananas that are yellow with brown spots. These spots show that the bananas are sweet and ready for baking. If your bananas are too green, leave them out for a few days. To speed up ripening, place them in a brown paper bag. This traps ethylene gas, which helps them ripen faster. Avoid bananas with bruises that look too dark or mushy. These may spoil your bread's taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat is perfect for baking. Next, get a 4x8 inch loaf pan. You can grease it with butter or use parchment paper. The paper helps with easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas. Add 1/3 cup of melted butter to the bowl. Mix these well until smooth. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Next, add 3/4 cup of sugar. You can use brown sugar for a richer taste. Mix in 1 large beaten egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Finally, gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Be careful not to overmix. In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Pour half of your banana batter into the pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Pour the rest of the batter into the pan, then add the remaining cinnamon-sugar mix. Use a knife to gently swirl the batter. Aim for a marbled look without mixing too much. Now you are ready to bake! To get that soft and moist banana bread, use ripe bananas. Look for yellow bananas with brown spots. The more spots, the sweeter your bread will taste. Mix the batter gently. Overmixing can make it tough. It is okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy; this is normal. Let the bread cool slightly in the pan. This helps keep it moist and tender. One big mistake is using unripe bananas. They don’t have enough flavor. Another is overbaking. Check the bread with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done! Also, avoid skipping the cinnamon swirl step. That’s what makes this bread special. Lastly, don’t rush the cooling time. Let it cool fully before slicing to avoid a mushy texture. Here are some tools to help you bake the best banana bread: - Large mixing bowl - 4x8 inch loaf pan - Measuring cups and spoons - Whisk for mixing - Spatula for folding - Toothpick for checking doneness - Parchment paper for easy removal These tools make the process easier and more fun. Happy baking! Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even brown. Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour with the wet ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread. Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your banana bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done. Storage Tips: To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container. {{image_2}} You can easily add nuts or chocolate chips to your banana bread. I love using walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. Just chop about 1/2 cup of nuts and fold them into the batter before baking. If you prefer chocolate, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips instead. The blend of flavors is simply delightful. You can make this banana bread gluten-free easily. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend has a good structure. For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to thicken. Then, use it in place of the egg. Enhancing the flavor of your banana bread is fun! Try adding 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for a warm touch. You can also boost the vanilla flavor by using 1 tablespoon instead of 1 teaspoon. These small changes make a big impact on taste. Experiment with other spices too, like cardamom or clove, for unique flavors. To keep your cinnamon swirl banana bread fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store it in an airtight container. Place it at room temperature for short-term storage. If you want it to last longer, the fridge is a good option. Just remember, cold can dry it out a bit. For best flavor, eat it fresh! Freezing is a great way to save your banana bread for later. First, let the bread cool completely. Slice it into pieces for easy thawing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When stored at room temperature, cinnamon swirl banana bread lasts about 3-4 days. If you keep it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. Once frozen, it stays good for about three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like mold or off smells, before eating. Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first. Drain excess liquid to avoid too much moisture. Frozen bananas work great and add sweetness. They can make your bread even more moist. Check the center with a toothpick. Insert it into the thickest part. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. It should also look golden brown around the edges. If it's not done, bake for a few more minutes. Many flavors go well with cinnamon. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Vanilla improves sweetness and aroma. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Chocolate chips can bring a sweet twist. Feel free to mix and match for fun! In this post, we covered the essential steps for making delicious cinnamon swirl banana bread. We explored ingredients, helpful tips, and variations for every taste. Remember to select ripe bananas and avoid common mistakes while baking. Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. Store your bread well to keep it fresh. Baking should be fun, so experiment and enjoy every bite! With these tips, you are ready to create a tasty treat. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

A deliciously moist banana bread with a delightful cinnamon swirl.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 none ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1.3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 0.75 cup sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the swirl)
  • 2 tablespoon sugar (for the swirl)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the mashed bananas until well integrated.
  • Stir in the baking soda and salt. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
  • Gradually add the flour, mixing gently until just incorporated—do not overmix.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and sugar for the swirl.
  • Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
  • Pour in the remaining banana bread batter and then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Using a knife, gently swirl the batter to create a marbled effect—be careful not to mix it too much.
  • Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Slice the banana bread while it's still warm and serve it on a rustic wooden board. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an indulgent touch! You can also add additional caramelized banana slices on top for extra flair.
Keyword banana bread, cinnamon, dessert