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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 84 reviews

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, featuring a moist and tender loaf with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl running through the center. This recipe balances sweetness with the natural flavor of ripe bananas and includes a soft vanilla glaze to elevate it from a simple snack to an indulgent treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it offers a beautiful marbled interior and an irresistibly cozy flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Batter

  • 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

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Vanilla Icing (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and set it aside to ensure your bread doesn’t stick during baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the mashed bananas, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create the wet base for the batter.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the batter.
  4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet banana mixture, gently stirring just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and moist.
  5. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon and brown sugar until fully mixed. This will create the sweet and spicy swirl that enhances the bread’s flavor and visual appeal.
  6. Layer Batter and Cinnamon Mixture: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over this layer. Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar over the surface.
  7. Create the Swirl Effect: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter in the pan. Be careful not to over-swirl; the goal is to create a marbled ribbon effect through the bread.
  8. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  9. Cool the Bread: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely for best slicing results and texture.
  10. Prepare Vanilla Icing (Optional): While the bread cools, mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this icing over the cooled loaf to add a sweet and creamy finishing touch that complements the cinnamon swirl wonderfully.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense loaf.
  • Over-swizzling the cinnamon mixture can cause the swirl to blend too much and lose the distinct ribbon effect.
  • You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier variation.
  • Frozen bananas work well if fresh ripe bananas are not available; thaw and mash before using.
  • The loaf can be frozen (without icing) for up to three months; thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Adding chopped apples to the batter is a delightful variation for extra texture and fruity flavor.
  • If the bread starts browning too quickly in the oven, tent the pan with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  • Vanilla icing is optional but recommended for an enhanced sweet finish.

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, cinnamon sugar, vanilla glaze, moist banana bread, breakfast bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, comfort food, baked dessert

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/cinnamon-swirl-banana-bread-recipe/