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- 3 ripe bananas - 1/3 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon baking soda - A pinch of fine sea salt - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for swirl) To make the best Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, you need ripe bananas. They should be soft and brown. This gives your bread a sweet flavor. Next, use unsalted butter. It helps control the saltiness. Baking soda helps the bread rise. The pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness. You'll also need granulated sugar. You can swap it for brown sugar for a richer taste. The egg binds everything together. Vanilla extract adds a nice aroma. All-purpose flour gives the bread its structure. Ground cinnamon is key for the swirl. Lastly, the extra sugar creates a delightful topping. You can make a few swaps if needed. For a deeper flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. If you have salted butter, reduce the pinch of salt or skip it. For a vegan option, you can swap the egg for 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg. This keeps the texture nice and moist. These substitutions help you customize the recipe to fit your needs. Enjoy experimenting and making this bread your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Greasing or lining the loaf pan: Take your 4x8 inch loaf pan. Grease it with butter or oil. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal. 1. Combining bananas and butter: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the mashed bananas. Stir until smooth. 2. Adding dry ingredients and mixing: Next, add the baking soda and a pinch of salt. Mix well. Then, add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla. Stir until it’s all blended. 1. Preparing the cinnamon-sugar mixture: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar. This will be your swirl. 2. Layering batter and swirl mixture: Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan. Smooth the top. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Pour the rest of the batter over this. Add the remaining cinnamon-sugar mix on top. Use a knife to swirl it gently. 1. Baking times and techniques: Place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for about 60 to 65 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean with some moist crumbs. 2. Cooling the bread: Once baked, take it out and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. - How to avoid overmixing: When you mix the batter, do it gently. Stir just until the flour disappears. This keeps your bread soft and fluffy. If you see lumps, that is okay. Overmixing makes the bread tough. - Ensuring even baking: Place the loaf pan in the center of the oven. This helps heat flow evenly. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pan halfway through baking. This helps the bread cook evenly. - Tips for additional spices: You can add nutmeg or allspice for a warm twist. Just a pinch can change the flavor. If you like more cinnamon, feel free to add an extra teaspoon. - Using different types of bananas: Try ripe plantains for a unique flavor. They give a sweet and creamy texture. Using frozen bananas also works well. Just thaw and mash them before mixing. - Serving suggestions: Slice the banana bread while it is still warm. Serve it on a rustic wooden board. This makes it look inviting. You can also toast the slices for extra crunch. - Garnishing ideas: Add a dusting of powdered sugar on top for sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream adds a nice touch. For a fun twist, top with caramelized banana slices to wow your guests. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even brown for the best results. Don’t Overmix the Batter: To achieve a light and fluffy texture, mix the batter just until the flour is incorporated. A few lumps are okay! Cool Before Slicing: Allow the banana bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes for cleaner slices. Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to customize your banana bread. They can enhance the flavor and texture beautifully! {{image_4}} You can add nuts to your cinnamon swirl banana bread. Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. They blend well with the soft, sweet banana. If you love chocolate, consider adding chocolate chips. They melt into the bread, giving a rich taste. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs well with the cinnamon. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for the right texture. For a sugar-free option, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. These options keep the bread sweet without the sugar crash. To give your bread a fall twist, add pumpkin puree or a dash of nutmeg. These flavors warm up the bread and make it perfect for chilly days. During the holidays, add cranberries for a festive touch. They add a tart contrast to the sweet banana and cinnamon, making every bite special. You can store leftover cinnamon swirl banana bread at room temperature. Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab a slice whenever you want. To reheat banana bread, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it up and helps regain its soft texture. If you froze the bread, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To improve texture after freezing, you can also microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your warm, delicious banana bread! For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas. They should be yellow with brown spots. This means they are sweet and soft. Overripe bananas work best in this recipe. They mash easily and add moisture. If they are too firm, the bread will not be as sweet or soft. You can try different fruits, like apples or berries. They can change the taste a lot. If you use apples, chop them small. For berries, fresh or frozen will work. Just remember, the texture may change. Bananas provide moisture and sweetness that others may not. To check if your bread is ready, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it is done. If it has wet batter, give it more time. You can also lightly press the top. It should spring back when it is baked. Leftover banana bread is great for snacks or breakfast. You can store it at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze it. Thaw it at room temperature when you're ready to eat. You can also toast slices for a warm treat. Cinnamon swirl banana bread is a delightful treat. You’ve learned about key ingredients and how to mix them. I shared tips for baking and ways to improve flavor. You can even try variations to fit your taste. Remember to store it well for longer freshness. Explore fun twists with the recipe for each season. Enjoy making this delicious bread. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and each bite will be sweet!

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 pieces ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed
  • 1.33 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten to blend
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 4x8 inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal of the bread.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the mashed bananas, stirring until you achieve a smooth integration of the two ingredients.
  • Add in the baking soda and a pinch of salt, mixing well. Then, incorporate the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract into the banana mixture until fully blended and smooth.
  • Gently fold in the sifted all-purpose flour into the mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should remain slightly lumpy for best results.
  • In a separate small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to create the swirl mixture.
  • Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer.
  • Carefully pour the remaining banana bread batter over the first layer, ensuring an even spread. Top this layer with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the batter to create a marbled effect; avoid overmixing to preserve the defined swirls.
  • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm and consider adding powdered sugar or whipped cream for presentation.
Keyword baking, banana bread, cinnamon, dessert