Name: Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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If you’ve ever wanted to combine the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon with the rich, moist texture of banana bread, you’re going to absolutely love this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic banana bread that introduces a luscious cinnamon swirl baked right into the dough, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this recipe bakes a loaf that’s tender, fragrant, and practically irresistible.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe starts with simple, pantry-staple ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the flour that creates the tender crumb to the milk that keeps it moist, every component is essential for achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the bread, making it soft yet sturdy.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds gentle sweetness to balance the cinnamon and banana flavors.
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet): Ensures your bread rises beautifully, giving it that light, airy texture.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness.
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C): Activates the yeast and contributes moisture for a tender crumb.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a silky texture to the dough.
1 large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds a lovely golden color.
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Mixed with cinnamon for the swirl, adding deep caramel notes.
2 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice in the swirl, giving it that warm, inviting aroma.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Spread under the cinnamon sugar to create a moist, flavorful swirl.
1 cup powdered sugar: For the optional glaze, lending a sweet finishing touch.
2 tbsp milk: Combined with powdered sugar for a smooth glaze.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth and rounds out the glaze flavor beautifully.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Then, mix in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg until a soft dough forms. This step is key to setting the foundation for your bread’s texture—you want the dough to be soft enough to knead but not sticky.

Step 2: Knead Until Smooth

Kneading is where the magic happens! On a floured surface, fold and press the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, 5 to 6 minutes with a dough hook will do the trick. This develops the gluten, giving your bread that wonderful chew.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This step allows the yeast to work its magic, making the dough airy and light.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. This cinnamon mixture will provide the signature swirl, adding a burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble the Bread

Roll the risen dough into a 9×15-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, leaving a 1-inch border. The butter acts as the glue for the filling so every slice has that perfect cinnamon swirl.

Step 6: Roll and Second Rise

Carefully roll the dough from the short end into a tight log, pinching the seam to seal it. Place the log seam-side down in your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This final rise ensures the bread is light and fluffy when baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped gently. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be pure bliss!

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled loaf. The glaze adds a beautiful shine and a sweet finish.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin slices of banana on top can elevate your loaf visually and flavor-wise. Toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans sprinkled over the glaze are also divine for adding crunch and extra warmth.

Side Dishes

Pairing this banana bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn it into a comforting dessert. For breakfast, it’s heavenly alongside a cup of coffee or your favorite tea blend.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thick and serving warm with butter spread on top for a cozy treat. You can also cut it into cubes and thread onto skewers with fresh fruit for a playful party appetizer or brunch board addition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any uneaten bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days—perfect for enjoying over a few mornings.

Freezing

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice it first, then wrap each piece individually before placing in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing any flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring the bread back to life, toast slices lightly or warm in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Adding a bit of butter before reheating will make it taste just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast, but use slightly less—about 2 teaspoons—and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. This might even speed up your rising time a bit!

Do I have to use all-purpose flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe due to its balanced protein content, but you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture or a gluten-free blend if you have dietary restrictions, just expect some textural changes.

How ripe should my bananas be for the best flavor?

For optimal sweetness and moistness, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. The riper, the better—yellow bananas just won’t lend the same depth of flavor.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bread?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans fold in beautifully, and chocolate chips add a delightful twist. Just sprinkle about 1/2 cup into the filling or dough before rolling for some extra indulgence.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze is optional but highly recommended. It adds a subtle sweetness and makes the loaf look stunning. If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can skip it and still enjoy a delicious loaf.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe is a real winner that brings warmth and comfort right out of your oven. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself when you need a little cozy treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect cinnamon swirl paired with tender banana bread in every bite!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

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4.1 from 65 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Cinnamon Bread recipe produces a soft, fluffy loaf swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and drizzled with a vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, this bread combines tender yeast dough with warm cinnamon flavors for a comforting homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

Filling

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Glaze (Optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and crack in the egg. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 to 6 minutes to achieve the same consistency.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 9×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Add Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough rectangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
Form the Loaf: Starting from the short end, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal it completely to prevent filling from spilling out.
Second Rise: Place the dough log seam-side down into the prepared loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is undergoing its second rise.
Bake: Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before slicing to add extra sweetness and shine.