Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is one of those recipes that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. It has the classic moist texture we all expect from banana bread, but the cinnamon sugar swirl adds a bakery-style finish that makes each slice feel special. I have tried versions using both brown sugar and coconut sugar in the swirl, and both work beautifully, though brown sugar gives a richer caramel flavor. This loaf also happens to be ideal for using up overripe bananas—you know, the ones that are too soft for snacking but perfect for baking. Whether you enjoy it warm with a pat of butter or toasted for breakfast, this banana bread is the kind of recipe that fits any occasion. Plus, the cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is reason enough to make it again and again.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bananas
The bananas are the backbone of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and moisture. Overripe bananas work best because they blend more smoothly into the batter and add depth of flavor.

Granulated sugar
This gives the bread sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. You can substitute with cane sugar if you prefer a slightly more natural flavor.

Brown sugar
Used in the cinnamon swirl, brown sugar contributes a warm, molasses-like richness that contrasts beautifully with the banana flavor.

All-purpose flour
Flour forms the structure of the bread. I’ve tested this recipe with whole-wheat pastry flour too, and it works well if you prefer a nuttier, slightly denser loaf.

Baking soda
This helps the bread rise properly and keeps the texture moist and soft.

Eggs
Eggs bind the batter and add richness. If you ever need to make this dairy-free, replacing eggs with flax eggs still yields a surprisingly good texture.

Butter or oil
Both options keep the loaf moist. Butter gives a classic flavor while oil results in a slightly softer crumb.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is essential for the swirl and provides that warm, cozy flavor. Freshly ground cinnamon gives the most fragrant result.

Milk
A small amount of milk loosens the batter and helps it bake evenly. I’ve used almond milk in the past, and it worked great for a dairy-free variation.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the sweetness and complements the banana and cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Directions

To begin, preheat your oven to ensure an even bake. Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper, which makes removing the bread much easier. Mash the bananas thoroughly in a large bowl until smooth; this step is important because well-mashed bananas distribute more evenly into the batter. Whisk in the sugar, eggs, melted butter or oil, milk, and vanilla, mixing until the wet ingredients are fully combined.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold the dry mixture gently into the wet mixture. It’s important not to overmix; doing so can make the bread dense. Once the batter is ready, prepare the cinnamon swirl by stirring together brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture on top, and use a knife to gently swirl. Add the remaining batter, top with the remaining cinnamon mixture, and swirl again.

Bake until the bread is risen, golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the structure set and makes slicing much easier. The result is a beautifully marbled banana bread with a sweet cinnamon ribbon throughout.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease..

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 10–12 slices.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 55–65 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store the banana bread at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week. You can freeze slices individually for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge.

Variations and Customizations

Chocolate Chip Swirl

Add chocolate chips to the batter for a richer, dessert-style version.

Nutty Banana Bread

Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and warmth.

Cinnamon Crumb Topping

Instead of a swirl, top the loaf with a simple cinnamon streusel for a bakery-style finish.

Maple Banana Bread

Replace sugar with maple syrup to create a naturally sweet, subtly smoky version.

Dairy-Free Loaf

Use almond milk and oil instead of butter for a fully dairy-free banana bread.

Whole Wheat Banana Bread

Swap half the flour for whole-wheat flour to create a heartier loaf.

Coconut Banana Bread

Add shredded coconut and a touch of coconut milk for tropical flavor.

Spiced Banana Bread

Incorporate nutmeg and cloves for a warm, autumn-inspired variation.

Brown Butter Banana Bread

Use browned butter instead of melted butter for a deeply nutty flavor.

Honey Cinnamon Swirl

Replace brown sugar with honey for a softer, naturally sweet swirl.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.

Can I make this banana bread without eggs?

Yes, flax eggs or other egg substitutes work well in this recipe.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely; thaw them first and drain excess liquid before using.

What type of loaf pan works best?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan provides the ideal size and baking height.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, the recipe is flexible, though reducing too much may affect texture.

How do I keep banana bread moist?

Avoid overbaking, measure flour accurately, and allow proper cooling.

Can I add fresh fruit like blueberries?

Yes, but toss them in flour first to prevent sinking.

Why did my banana bread sink?

It may be underbaked or the batter could have been overmixed.

Can I bake this in mini loaf pans?

Yes, but reduce the baking time accordingly.

Can this recipe be doubled?

It can be doubled easily and baked in two loaf pans.

Conclusion

Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is an inviting, aromatic loaf that elevates classic banana bread with a beautifully textured cinnamon ribbon. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking yet impressive enough to serve for brunch or gifting. The moist crumb, warm spices, and rich banana flavor come together in a loaf that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or lightly toasted the next morning, this recipe promises a satisfying slice every time.

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