This homemade cinnamon swirl banana bread is super moist and packed with ripe bananas. The sweet aroma of cinnamon makes your kitchen feel cozy and inviting!
Baking this bread is like a warm hug on a chilly day. I always save a slice (or two) for breakfast, paired with a hot cup of coffee. Yum! ☕️🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, place them in a paper bag for a day or simply bake with yellow bananas for a less sweet flavor.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture. If you prefer not using dairy, feel free to substitute with a dairy-free yogurt or use unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
Butter: Unsalted butter provides great flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well, just keep it melted before adding.
Cinnamon: This spice is key for that warm flavor. If you’re out, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can add a different but pleasing profile to your bread.
How Do I Get the Best Swirl in My Banana Bread?
Achieving a beautiful swirl takes a little practice, but it’s easy! Here’s how to do it:
- Once you pour half the batter, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix evenly. This helps create the swirl.
- Be gentle when adding the second half of the batter. Try not to mix it too much!
- When swirling, use a knife or skewer. Make a few gentle figure-eight movements through the batter to mix but don’t overdo it. You want to see distinct cinnamon ribbons.
With a little patience, you’ll have a lovely marbled look and a delightful taste!
Moist Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana bread takes about 15 minutes of prep time and needs to bake for 60-70 minutes. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling in the pan. All in all, you’ll have a delightful homemade treat in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the bread releases easily later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Adding the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a delightful flavor boost!
5. Incorporating the Bananas and Sour Cream:
Now, mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until everything is combined. The bananas add moisture and sweetness to the bread.
6. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, gently stirring until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
7. Making the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon. This will create the delicious swirl in your banana bread.
8. Assembling the Bread:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
9. Creating the Swirl:
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect. Be gentle so the two layers don’t completely mix.
10. Baking:
Bake your banana bread in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; if the top browns too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
11. Cooling and Serving:
Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your deliciously moist, cinnamon-swirled banana bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, it may make the bread denser. To balance it out, consider adding an extra tablespoon of liquid (like milk or yogurt) to keep the bread moist.
How Ripe Should the Bananas Be?
For the best flavor and moisture, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots or even black skins. They should be soft and easily mashable. If you need to ripen bananas quickly, place them in a paper bag for a day.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to the Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in ½ to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter after mixing the dry and wet ingredients. Just reduce the amount of flour slightly to accommodate for the mix-ins.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature or microwave a slice for a few seconds!
