Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delicious twist on a classic favorite! It’s soft, moist banana bread filled with sweet, warm cinnamon sugar swirled right through the middle. You get that perfect blend of banana sweetness and a gentle cinnamon spice in every bite.
I love how the cinnamon swirl adds a little surprise and extra flavor to regular banana bread. When I make it, I always make sure to swirl the cinnamon sugar just enough so you get those cinnamon pockets throughout, but not so much that it all blends in. It makes each slice feel special and comforting.
This banana bread is great for breakfast with a drizzle of honey or a smear of butter, and it’s just as perfect for midday snack with a cup of tea. I find it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re sharing it with family or bringing it to a friend’s house. There’s just something so cozy about that cinnamon swirl coming together with the banana bread that makes everyone smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The star of this bread! Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re short on bananas, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce but it won’t be quite as rich.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a creamy, rich flavor. You can swap for an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Butter gives a better texture and taste though.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used here, but you can replace half with brown sugar for a deeper molasses note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a tender crumb. If you want gluten-free, try a gluten-free blend, but you may need to adjust baking time slightly.
Cinnamon Swirl: The cinnamon sugar swirl is simple but key. Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor. You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the swirl for extra warmth if you like.
How Do I Create a Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Without Overmixing?
The swirl adds flavor and a pretty look—but mixing too much can make it all blend and lose the marbled effect.
- After pouring half the batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top.
- Add the rest of the batter over this gently; don’t spread vigorously.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top.
- Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter by making slow figure-eight or circular motions.
- Stop swirling as soon as you see a nice marble pattern—don’t overdo it.
This technique keeps the cinnamon pockets visible and your banana bread moist and tender with bursts of cinnamon in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5 inch loaf pan – I like this size because it bakes the bread evenly and gives it a nice shape.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes creaming the butter and sugar easier and quicker.
- Rubber spatula – helps you fold the batter gently without deflating it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Small bowl – for mixing the cinnamon sugar swirl.
- Toothpick or skewer – for creating the swirl pattern in the batter.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips – fold in 1/2 cup for added richness and extra sweetness.
- Walnuts or pecans – add 1/2 cup chopped nuts for crunch and nuttiness.
- Blueberries – gently fold in 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Spice mix – blend in a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves with the cinnamon for a warm, complex flavor.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Banana Bread:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (375g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the batter)
For The Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the batter and cinnamon swirl. The bread takes 60-70 minutes to bake and then around 10 minutes to cool in the pan before moving to a wire rack. So, in total, expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Make The Banana Bread Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mix to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread nice and tender.
3. Create The Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the cinnamon sugar is evenly coated and ready to swirl.
4. Assemble The Bread:
Pour half the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out gently. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter. Move the knife in slow circular or figure-eight motions to create a pretty marbled effect without mixing it all together.
5. Bake and Cool:
Bake the bread in the oven for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread—soft, flavorful, and with that wonderful cinnamon twist in every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a too-wet batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
Can I Substitute Oil for Butter?
Absolutely! Use the same amount of vegetable or melted coconut oil for a moist texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What’s the Best Way to Get a Distinct Cinnamon Swirl?
Be gentle when swirling the cinnamon sugar into the batter—use a knife to make a few slow figure-eight motions without overmixing, so you keep those pretty marbled pockets of cinnamon.
