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Freshly baked cinnamon swirl banana bread on a wooden table, sliced to show its moist texture and cinnamon swirl.

The Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe: A Simple Guide to a Classic Treat

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is ultra-moist, packed with warm cinnamon flavor, and features a rich, gooey swirl that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls For combining wet and dry ingredients
  • Whisk To mix ingredients smoothly
  • Loaf pan (9x5 inch) For baking the bread
  • Parchment Paper For easy removal
  • Toothpick To test doneness

Ingredients
  

  • For the Banana Bread:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Cinnamon Swirl:
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
  • Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
  • In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
  • Layer the batter: Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon-sugar. Swirl with a knife.
  • Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. The darker, the better!
  • Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk for extra moisture.
  • For a crunchy topping, sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar on top before baking.
Keyword banana bread recipe, cinnamon swirl, moist banana bread