This banana bread is soft, moist, and packed with delicious cinnamon swirls. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast or a snack, making your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery!
Honestly, who can resist the warm, sweet scent of banana bread? I love slicing it and enjoying with a pat of butter on top—so good, you’ll want to share (or not)! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key here. The more spots on the skin, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. Can’t find ripe ones? Try placing them in a paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process.
Buttermilk or Yogurt: Both add moisture and richness to the bread. If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk with a squeeze of lemon juice or vinegar can work instead. Just let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter, as it lets me control the salt in the recipe better. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil can substitute nicely here.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect, but if you want a healthier twist, try substituting half with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if you need it.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl can really elevate your banana bread! Start by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter thoroughly. Here’s how to create that beautiful swirl:
- After pouring half the batter into the pan, dollop half of the cinnamon mixture on top.
- Use a knife to gently swirl it through without fully mixing it in; you want to see those ribbons of cinnamon.
- Repeat with the remaining batter and swirl mixture before baking.
This method creates distinct layers of sweet cinnamon flavor in every slice!
Best Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and around 60-70 minutes of baking time, followed by a cool-down period. So, in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper so your banana bread won’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter.
4. Add Eggs and Bananas
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until everything is mixed well.
5. Combine Flour and Buttermilk
Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk or yogurt. Start and finish with the flour mixture, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your bread tough.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until you have a nice, spreadable paste for the swirl.
7. Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then, spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through, creating a beautiful pattern. Next, pour the remaining banana bread batter on top and repeat with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
8. Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Your banana bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean!
9. Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, slice it up and enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon swirl banana bread!
This recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf with delightful cinnamon swirls throughout. Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack any time of the day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly in banana bread. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This ensures your batter doesn’t end up too watery.
How Do I Store the Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk by adding a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly, and then use it as you would the buttermilk in the recipe.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition for some crunch. You can also add chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Just fold them into the batter gently just before pouring it into the loaf pan.
