Dessert

Easy Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

ByMarina Montclair February 28, 2026February 28, 2026

Introduction

This easy classic cinnamon swirl banana bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a delightful cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfect as a breakfast treat or an anytime snack, it’s moist, flavorful, and simple to make.

Three slices of banana swirl bread are placed side by side on a white plate. Each slice has multiple layers of light brown cake and darker brown cinnamon swirl, with a visible round slice of banana embedded in the center. The bread has a soft, crumbly texture with small bits of crumbs scattered on the plate around it. A small piece of bread is held on the tines of a silver fork resting on the right side of the plate. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface with soft, natural light coming from the back, highlighting the textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
A 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:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon to make the cinnamon swirl. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter until combined.
Step 4: Add the baking soda and salt, then mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender bread.
Step 6: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
Step 7: Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 8: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 9: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the cinnamon sugar amount to taste for a more or less pronounced swirl.
Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Use parchment paper to easily lift the loaf out of the pan without sticking.

Storage

Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

How to Serve

The image shows three slices of a swirled banana cinnamon bread arranged side by side on a white plate with a slightly textured surface. Each slice has multiple layers, starting with a golden-brown crust on the outside, a light tan soft bread layer, and a dark brown cinnamon swirl that wraps around a visible banana slice in the center of each piece. The bread’s texture looks moist and crumbly, with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top and scattered around the plate. A vintage silver fork rests on the plate with a small bite of bread on its tines, placed near the front slice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a softly blurred background showing kitchen elements. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to keep the batter from becoming too wet.

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.