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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

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4.2 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes active, plus 1 hour cooling
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful treat featuring ripe bananas, a sweet cinnamon swirl throughout, and a lightly sweetened vanilla icing drizzled on top. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this bread combines the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of bananas for a comforting homemade baked good.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Batter

  • 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar (or use packed brown sugar)
  • 4 Tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 and 1/2 cups (345g) mashed bananas (about 4 medium or 3 large ripe bananas)
  • 1/3 cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Icing

  • 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) heavy cream or milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a metal 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and set it aside to prepare for baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside for incorporation later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes, ensuring a light, fluffy texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then beat in the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the dry ingredients mixture until there are no streaks of flour remaining. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender. This results in approximately 3 and 1/2 cups of batter.
  6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until well combined.
  7. Layer Batter and Cinnamon Swirl: Spoon half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Carefully pour and spread the remaining batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the batter through the cinnamon sugar down the center, being careful not to over-swirl, to create a distinct cinnamon swirl pattern.
  8. Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. About halfway through baking, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning on top. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Start checking for doneness at 55 minutes, then every 5 minutes afterward.
  9. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour. Then, remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the wire rack.
  10. Prepare and Drizzle Icing: Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick. Drizzle the icing evenly over the cooled banana bread before slicing.
  11. Storage: Store the banana bread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Note that the icing will seep into the top, causing slices to become slightly moist over time.

Notes

  • Using ripe bananas is key for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Do not over-mix the batter to keep the bread tender and avoid toughness.
  • Covering the bread halfway through baking prevents the top from burning while the inside finishes cooking.
  • Adjust sugar amount to preference; brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.
  • The cinnamon swirl adds visual appeal and enhances the cinnamon flavor inside the bread.
  • Letting the bread cool completely before icing ensures the icing sets properly.
  • Room temperature eggs and butter help create a smooth batter for better texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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