Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread – Perfect for Brunch!

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade banana bread, featuring a delightful cinnamon swirl that makes it perfect for any brunch gathering.

Sloane Patterson

Created by

Sloane Patterson

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:50:57.834Z

This homemade cinnamon swirl banana bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The fragrant cinnamon and sweet bananas create a moist and flavorful loaf that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and tender texture with a sweet cinnamon ribbon
  • Simple ingredients that come together quickly
  • A delicious way to use overripe bananas
  • Perfectly paired with coffee or tea

The Perfect Brunch Treat

Banana bread is a classic treat that has stood the test of time, and this Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread takes it to new heights. The combination of moist banana bread with a sweet cinnamon ribbon makes it an irresistible addition to any brunch spread. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Pairing this banana bread with your favorite coffee or tea elevates the experience even further. The warm spices and rich flavors meld beautifully with a steaming cup of your preferred beverage, making every bite a delightful moment. It’s an easy recipe that provides a comforting and indulgent start to your day.

Using Overripe Bananas

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its ability to breathe new life into overripe bananas. Instead of tossing them out, you can transform these neglected fruits into a delicious treat. The natural sweetness and flavor of ripe bananas enhance the overall taste of the bread, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.

In fact, the browner the bananas, the better! They not only contribute to the bread's sweetness but also ensure a tender crumb. This makes it a fantastic way to reduce food waste while enjoying a homemade delight that everyone will love.

Customize Your Banana Bread

While this recipe is delightful as it is, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen. You can easily customize your cinnamon swirl banana bread by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. These additions can provide a delightful crunch or a burst of flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Feel free to experiment with different spices as well. A hint of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate your banana bread to new heights. The beauty of baking is that you can make each loaf uniquely yours, catering to your personal taste and preferences.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 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

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Directions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Finally, stir in the flour until just incorporated.

Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.

Combine and Swirl

Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixture.

Bake the Bread

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm.

Enjoy!

Storing Your Banana Bread

To keep your homemade cinnamon swirl banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain delicious for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and it can last up to three months in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen banana bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat. You'll find that the flavors remain intact, and it’s just as delightful as the day you baked it.

Serving Suggestions

This banana bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For a simple yet satisfying breakfast, enjoy a warm slice with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.

For a more indulgent treat, consider topping your slices with cream cheese frosting or serving it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The possibilities are endless, making it a perfect option for any occasion.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw your frozen bananas, drain any excess liquid, and mash them for use in the recipe.

→ How should I store the banana bread?

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it.

→ Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used for baking.

→ What can I serve with banana bread?

Banana bread pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey.

Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread – Perfect for Brunch!

Enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade banana bread, featuring a delightful cinnamon swirl that makes it perfect for any brunch gathering.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration50 minutes
Overall Time65 minutes

Created by: Sloane Patterson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

For the Banana Bread

  1. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  2. 1/3 cup melted butter
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. Pinch of salt
  5. 3/4 cup sugar
  6. 1 large egg, beaten
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  1. 1/4 cup sugar
  2. 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Finally, stir in the flour until just incorporated.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.

Step 04

Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixture.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 06

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 3g