Cinnamon swirl banana bread is a simple, moist quick bread with a cinnamon-sugar swirl through the middle and extra cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Easy: The recipe is straightforward and can be mixed by hand—no special equipment required.
Delicious: It delivers a tender, moist crumb with rich banana flavor balanced by warm cinnamon.
Cinnamon sugar: The swirled cinnamon-sugar adds texture and a sweet, spiced contrast that pairs perfectly with banana.
Simple ingredients: This loaf uses everyday pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then line the long sides and bottom with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, white sugar, and brown sugar for the cinnamon swirl. Mix well and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar together until smooth.
Add the egg and mix until fully combined, then stir in the mashed ripe bananas.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
Spoon about one third of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer and spread it gently.
Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar evenly across the surface.
Using a butter knife, gently drag the tip horizontally and vertically through the batter to create a swirl pattern—aim to reach the bottom of the pan so the swirl runs through the loaf.
Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan to room temperature before lifting it out with the parchment overhang and slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does “Spooned and Levelled” Flour Mean?
“Spooned and leveled” describes a method for measuring flour accurately: spoon the flour from the storage container into the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Scooping the cup directly into the flour can compact it and result in using too much.
How to Store the Banana Bread
This bread is delicious warm, but it keeps well at room temperature for up to three days when wrapped or stored in an airtight container.
If you try this cinnamon swirl banana bread, please leave a star rating and a comment!
More Banana Recipes to Love
- Banana Nut Crunch Bread
- Classic Moist Banana Bread
- Banana Blondies with Brown Butter Frosting
- Bakery Style Banana Muffins
- Oatmeal Banana Muffins with Streusel Topping
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Jessie M
Pin Recipe
15
55
Breakfast, dessert, Snack
American, Canadian
1 loaf
Equipment
-
Loaf pan
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Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
Banana Bread
- 3 large ripe bananas mashed
- 1/4 C salted butter at room temperature
- 1 C white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 & 1/2 C all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 2 & 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 C white sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease loaf pan and line bottom and long edges with parchment paper.
Cinnamon Swirl
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Combine cinnamon, white sugar, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix and set aside.
Banana Bread
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In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
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Add the egg and mix until smooth and combined.
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Stir in the mashed bananas.
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Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
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Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
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Pour 1/3 of the batter into the loaf pan and spread evenly.
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Spread half of the cinnamon mixture over that layer.
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Add the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top.
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Run a butter knife through the batter horizontally and vertically to create swirls, reaching the bottom of the pan.
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Bake about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool in the pan to room temperature before slicing.
Notes
banana, banana bread, cinnamon sugar, cinnamon swirl, quick bread, sweet loaf