Dessert

Easy Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

BySarah Summers February 28, 2026February 28, 2026

Introduction

Discover the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon swirl banana bread, a delicious twist on the traditional banana bread. The combination of ripe bananas, sweet sugar, and warm cinnamon makes this bread a perfect treat for any time of day.

Three slices of cinnamon swirl banana bread are arranged side by side on a white plate, each slice showing clear layers: a golden brown crust, soft light beige bread, and a dark brown cinnamon spiral encasing a whole banana in the center of each slice. The top is dusted lightly with powdered sugar. A fork with a piece of bread is resting on the plate next to the slices. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with scattered crumbs and powdered sugar. The background is softly blurred, suggesting a bright window. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp baking soda
A pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the cinnamon swirl:

1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp 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, combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon to make the cinnamon swirl mixture. Set aside.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
Step 4: Add salt and baking soda to the banana mixture. Then mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 6: Pour half of the 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 the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 8: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven 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 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar to match your flavor preference for a milder or stronger swirl.
For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven for a warm treat.

How to Serve

Three slices of banana swirl bread are placed on a white plate with a brownish rim. Each slice shows a clear spiral pattern of light brown bread cake and darker cinnamon layers. At the center of each slice, a slice of banana is visible with a pale yellow color and subtle texture. The top of the bread is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. A small piece of bread crumb is being held on the tip of a fork resting on the plate, next to the slices. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with soft natural window light in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Is it okay to use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw them completely before mashing. Because frozen bananas release more moisture, you might need to adjust the flour slightly for the right batter consistency.

Is it okay to use oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil. This may slightly change the texture and flavor but will still result in delicious banana bread.