Name: Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup melted butter or oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar mixture (2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon for swirl)

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Homemade cinnamon swirl banana bread is one of those cozy, feel-good treats I keep coming back to. It’s incredibly moist, bursting with banana flavor, and has a sweet cinnamon sugar layer that runs through the middle and tops it off with the perfect crust. Whether I’m enjoying a slice with my morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, it never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes classic banana bread and adds a cinnamon twist that makes it even more comforting. The swirl not only adds flavor but gives the loaf a beautiful marbled look. It’s an easy, one-bowl recipe that uses pantry staples, and it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas. Plus, it stays moist for days—if it even lasts that long. Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ripe bananas, mashed
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Sugar (white and brown)
Eggs
Melted butter or oil
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon sugar mixture (for the swirl)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, I mash the bananas until smooth, then mix in the eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla.
I add the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, mixing just until combined—being careful not to overmix.
In a separate small bowl, I stir together cinnamon and sugar for the swirl.
I pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar over it, then add the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
Using a knife, I gently swirl through the batter a few times to create a marbled effect.
I bake the bread for about 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
I let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one loaf, which gives me about 8 to 10 slices. It takes 10 minutes to prep and around 60 minutes to bake, so I usually plan for a little over an hour from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch. If I want it extra sweet, I’ll mix a little brown sugar into the batter itself or add a cinnamon glaze on top. I’ve also swapped the butter for coconut oil and used whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier twist.

Storage/reheating

I store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes well—I slice it first and wrap individual pieces so I can grab one whenever I need it. To reheat, I toast it lightly or microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds. Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

FAQs

Can I make this banana bread without eggs?

Yes, I’ve used mashed flaxseed or applesauce as an egg substitute, and it still turns out moist and flavorful.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper the better—I use bananas with brown spots all over for the best sweetness and flavor.

Can I use a different size pan?

If I use a smaller pan, the loaf may need more time to bake and could rise higher. Muffin tins work too—I just reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve made it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and it works well. I make sure it includes xanthan gum for best texture.

What can I use instead of sugar?

I’ve tried using maple syrup or honey in place of some of the sugar, though it makes the batter slightly more moist. I reduce the liquid slightly if I do that.

Conclusion

Homemade cinnamon swirl banana bread is everything I want in a baked treat—simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. That ribbon of cinnamon sugar makes it feel just a little extra special, and the banana keeps it soft and moist for days. Whether I’m making it for a weekend breakfast or a cozy snack, it’s always a comforting choice.

Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

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Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This homemade cinnamon swirl banana bread is moist, flavorful, and filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar ribbon that runs through the loaf and tops it with a delightful crust. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup melted butter or oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup cinnamon sugar mixture (2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon for swirl)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Add eggs, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon to make the swirl.
Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
Add the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top.
Use a knife to gently swirl the batter for a marbled effect.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.