There’s something about the smell of cinnamon and bananas mingling in the oven that just stops time for a moment. This Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is that kind of treat—it’s like a hug from the inside. The first time I made it, I was halfway distracted by a phone call, and somehow I missed stirring the cinnamon sugar just right. The swirl didn’t turn out as perfect as I’d hoped, but honestly, that rustic, imperfect pattern made it feel homemade in the best way possible.
When I sliced into the loaf, the moist crumb was speckled with little pockets of cinnamon sugar that melted just enough to give each bite a sweet, spicy pop. The bananas kept it tender and rich, while the swirl added that unexpected twist of flavor. It was the kind of bread you want to eat slowly, maybe with a cup of coffee or tea, even if you’re running a bit late.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The cinnamon swirl adds a warm, spicy surprise that’s not overpowering but still noticeable with every bite.
- It’s moist and tender thanks to ripe bananas and a touch of sour cream, though it’s not overly sweet—so you can enjoy it at any time of day.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients or tricky techniques, just comforting flavors you probably already have on hand.
- Because it takes about an hour to bake, it’s a great weekend project or a way to feel productive when you’re craving something homemade.
If you’re worried about the swirl looking messy, don’t be. The beauty is in its imperfection. The cinnamon sugar pockets create little surprises throughout the loaf, so every slice feels unique.
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Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
Description
A moist and flavorful banana bread with a delicious cinnamon sugar swirl throughout. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Stir in the mashed ripe bananas, sour cream, and milk until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar swirl.
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer.
Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually bake this in a standard loaf pan, which works perfectly for the baking time and texture. For serving, it’s fantastic warm with a little butter or cream cheese spread on top. If you want to switch things up, you could try adding chopped nuts or a handful of chocolate chips, though I haven’t tested these tweaks extensively—sometimes the classic wins for its simplicity.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? A: Yes, just thaw and mash them before mixing. It actually helps deepen the banana flavor.
Q: How do I store leftover bread? A: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze it wrapped tightly for longer storage.
Q: Is the cinnamon swirl necessary? A: It’s what makes this bread stand out, but you could skip it if you want a more traditional banana bread—just expect a different flavor profile.
Ready to bring a little warmth and comfort to your kitchen? This loaf is waiting to fill your house with cinnamon-scented goodness and offer a delicious break in your busy day.