Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread — a sweet, tender loaf that wraps up the best of cozy comfort food with a dazzling ribbon of cinnamon sugar. The marriage of ripe bananas and buttery batter is already a classic, but add a generous cinnamon swirl and you’ve got a moist, fragrant treat that will have everyone hovering near the kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a late-night indulgence, this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread never disappoints and always brings out those “Mmm, what smells so good?” moments!

Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a loaf of Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread that tastes like pure comfort. Each ingredient plays its part, contributing to every bite’s melt-in-your-mouth texture, sweet depth, and irresistible aroma.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper, the better! They bring natural sweetness and keep the loaf tender and moist.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds rich flavor and helps create a soft crumb that’s absolutely dreamy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount for balancing the Bananas’ natural sweetness and creating a perfectly sweet treat.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Adds structure and a touch of richness so the loaf holds together nicely.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses that warm, mellow aroma that’s essential for any banana bread.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your loaf for just the right texture — not too cakey, not too dense.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures your bread rises beautifully and stays light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The hero spice that delivers warmth and cozy, bakery-level fragrance.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Pairs with the cinnamon for that gorgeous, gooey swirl that makes each bite memorable.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. A quick blast of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter ensures your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread comes out cleanly with every swirl intact. This also gives you a few minutes to let your ingredients settle at room temperature for improved mixing.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is perfectly blended and the batter smells just sweet enough to make you want to taste it right away. Those mashed bananas are key to the moist crumb Banana Bread is famous for!
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step guarantees the baking soda is distributed evenly, so you get a beautiful, even rise in your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. Once mixed, add the dry ingredients gradually to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. No over-mixing, please — just enough!
Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon with the brown sugar. This dreamy combo is the secret weapon for creating gorgeous rivers of flavor throughout your loaf. The brown sugar not only amplifies the cinnamon’s warmth but creates those tempting swirls everyone will adore.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then spoon on the remaining batter. Top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Grab a knife or skewer and gently drag it through the batter in a swirling motion — this is where the “swirl” magic happens, so have fun with it!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the loaf into the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, keeping a close eye near the end — if the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly! Once a toothpick comes out clean from the center, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice only after it has cooled completely to keep those cinnamon rivers defined.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Garnishes
Give your loaf a little something extra with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Fresh banana slices, toasted pecans, or even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top will make your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread look and taste bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Enjoy a thick slice with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up alongside a cold glass of milk. For brunch, pair your banana bread with creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, or a green smoothie for a balance of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread into bite-sized treats by slicing and dipping in dark chocolate, or cube the bread for a unique French toast bake. For a decadent dessert, toast a slice and top with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. This bread is as versatile as your cravings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay perfectly moist and delicious for up to 3 days — though it rarely lasts that long in my kitchen!
Freezing
Slice the cooled loaf, wrap the pieces individually, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab a slice (or two) anytime the craving hits. Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, and the flavor stays just as inviting as the day you baked it.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or gently warm it in the toaster oven. The cinnamon swirl will get extra gooey, and your kitchen will smell like you just baked a new loaf!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw your frozen bananas first and drain off any excess liquid. They mash up beautifully and lend even more sweetness and moisture to your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.
What if I don’t have brown sugar on hand?
You can substitute with coconut sugar or even an extra tablespoon of granulated sugar mixed with a dash of molasses for a similar depth of flavor within the cinnamon swirl.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap in melted coconut oil or a good dairy-free butter alternative for the unsalted butter, and you’ll have a plant-based Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread everyone can enjoy.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips after mixing the batter for extra crunch or decadence. Just don’t go overboard — about 1/2 cup is perfect.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if the batter was over-mixed or if the bread didn’t bake fully in the center. Always test with a toothpick and let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that feels like a warm hug, this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is your answer. It’s the kind of bake that fills your home with smiles and sweet spice. Trust me, after one slice, you’ll find yourself coming back for more — so tie on your apron and let the cinnamon-swirled magic begin!
PrintCinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this delicious Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. Moist and tender banana bread with a sweet cinnamon swirl running through it, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Swirl Mixture:
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: Mix ground cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Layer Batter: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon mixture, add remaining batter, and top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
- Create Swirl: Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes; cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, Banana Bread Recipe, Cinnamon Bread, Homemade Bread