Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread – Perfect for Brunch!

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the delightful combination of cinnamon and banana in this easy-to-make bread, perfect for brunch or a sweet snack.

Lydia Barrett

Created by

Lydia Barrett

Last updated on 2025-12-18T15:07:35.535Z

This Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a family favorite, bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing with friends over brunch.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Moist and fluffy texture with a delightful cinnamon swirl
  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
  • Perfectly sweetened, making it a great treat for any time of day

The Perfect Brunch Treat

Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is an exceptional choice for brunch gatherings or cozy mornings at home. The enticing aroma of cinnamon and ripe bananas fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that will have everyone eagerly anticipating their first slice. This bread is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with its beautiful cinnamon swirl that adds a touch of elegance to any brunch table.

Pair this delightful loaf with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for an extraordinary morning experience. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed as a standalone treat or served alongside yogurt, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream. No matter how you serve it, this banana bread is sure to impress.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of common ingredients, you can create a baked good that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the melted butter gives the bread a rich flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl adds a warm, comforting taste that enhances the overall flavor profile. This bread is a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, transforming them into something truly special and delicious.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread turns out perfectly every time, it’s essential to use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as these will yield the best results.

Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until everything is incorporated. This helps maintain the bread’s moist and fluffy texture. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Mix the ingredients well and prepare for baking!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix in the melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Both Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Prepare Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Layer the Batter

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious homemade banana bread!

Storing Your Banana Bread

To keep your Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread fresh for longer, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but you can also refrigerate it to extend its shelf life. If you decide to refrigerate, make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to enhance its flavor and texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing the banana bread. Slice it before freezing, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. When you're ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a quick warm-up.

Customizing Your Recipe

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are endless ways to customize your Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread. For a touch of added nutrition, consider adding a cup of oats to the batter or substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give your bread a heartier texture and a boost of fiber.

You can also experiment with mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for a unique twist. Each variation brings its own flavor profile, making this banana bread a versatile base for your baking creativity.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw them and mash before using.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze this banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg as a substitute.

Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread – Perfect for Brunch!

Enjoy the delightful combination of cinnamon and banana in this easy-to-make bread, perfect for brunch or a sweet snack.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Lydia Barrett

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

For the Banana Bread

  1. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  2. 1/3 cup melted butter
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. Pinch of salt
  5. 3/4 cup sugar
  6. 1 large egg, beaten
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  1. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  2. 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix in the melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

Step 03

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 05

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 06

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 08

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 3g