Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a warm, comforting swirl of cinnamon sugar. The soft, moist banana bread is perfectly accented by the cinnamon ribbon running through each slice, adding a touch of spice that makes every bite extra special.
I love making this bread when I have a bunch of ripe bananas ready to be used up. The cinnamon swirl is my favorite part—it creates a little surprise in the middle that everyone always asks about. It’s so easy to mix together, and while it bakes, the whole kitchen fills with that wonderful smell of cinnamon and bananas, which feels like a big cozy hug.
I usually slice this bread thick and enjoy it with a dab of butter or a spread of cream cheese for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It’s one of those simple recipes that your family and friends will ask you to make over and over again. Plus, it freezes well, so you can keep some on hand for whenever a craving hits!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the star here—they make the bread naturally sweet and moist. Overripe bananas with spots work best. No ripe ones? You can mash frozen bananas after thawing.
Butter: Butter adds richness. You can swap it for an equal amount of oil for a moister bread or use margarine if you need a dairy-free option.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: These give the bread extra moisture and tender crumb. If you don’t have either, plain yogurt or buttermilk works well, too.
Cinnamon Swirl: The mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter creates that tasty spiral. You can tweak the amount of cinnamon if you want it milder or stronger. For a twist, add a pinch of nutmeg.
How Do I Make That Perfect Cinnamon Swirl in Banana Bread?
Creating a beautiful cinnamon swirl is easier than it looks. The key is to layer the batter and cinnamon mixture carefully and swirl gently without mixing it all together.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Scatter half the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl through this layer—go in a circular or figure-eight motion.
- Add the rest of the batter on top, spread evenly, then add remaining cinnamon mixture and swirl again gently.
- This way, you get distinct, tasty cinnamon ribbons swirled throughout the bread instead of it mixing in completely.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5 inch loaf pan – I like this size because it helps the bread bake evenly and develop that nice crust.
- Mixing bowls – two are handy for whisking the dry ingredients separately and mixing the wet ones.
- Hand or stand mixer – makes creaming the butter and sugar easier and quicker.
- Spatula or spoon – for gently folding in ingredients and spreading batter in the pan.
- Small bowl – for mixing the cinnamon swirl ingredients.
- Toothpick or skewer – to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter effectively.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips – fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness and richness.
- Walnuts or pecans – stir in chopped nuts for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Caramel swirl – add a spoonful of caramel sauce before swirling for a gooey surprise.
- Vanilla or almond extract – swap out or add for different aromatic flavors that complement bananas.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 60 to 70 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 10 minutes to cool before slicing. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan and Dry Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for now.
2. Make the Banana Bread Batter:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each one. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mixing just until combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the banana mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender and moist.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well blended. This will create the rich cinnamon swirl that adds flavor and a beautiful pattern inside the bread.
5. Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Take a butter knife or skewer and gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter in a circular motion. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture, swirling gently again on top.
6. Bake and Cool:
Bake the bread for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Enjoy your deliciously moist Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread—the perfect cozy snack or breakfast treat!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This helps keep the batter from becoming too runny.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt?
Absolutely! Plain yogurt or buttermilk work well as substitutes without changing the texture much. If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or applesauce for moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Get a Visible Cinnamon Swirl?
Layer the batter and cinnamon mixture carefully and swirl gently with a knife or skewer. Swirling too vigorously mixes the two together and hides the pretty cinnamon ribbons.