Introduction
Welcome to a warm slice of comfort — homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread! This delightful quick bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, buttery swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar. The aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around as it bakes to a beautiful golden brown. Perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or even dessert, this recipe is an easy way to share love in every bite. Let’s dive into this scrumptious treat!
Ingredients
- 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 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4×8 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth and creamy, creating the perfect base for your bread.
- Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas, combining the elements for a rich flavor.
- Mix in the baking soda and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the bananas.
- Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Carefully stir in the flour until just combined — be cautious not to overmix, as you want your banana bread to be tender.
- In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar together to create a delightful swirl mixture.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon brown sugar mixture over the batter, allowing for that delicious burst of flavor.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon mixture, ensuring a generous swirl throughout.
- Using a knife, gently swirl the batter to create beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout the bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating a moist and perfectly baked loaf.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra special touch, enjoy your banana bread warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- This recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas; the sweeter they are, the better the bread will taste!
- Feel free to add in nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Swirling the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter is key to achieving that beautiful marbled effect. Use a gentle hand to ensure you don’t mix the layers completely — we want to see those gorgeous ribbons of cinnamon! Monitoring your oven is also important; every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on your banana bread as it bakes to avoid over-baking.
FAQ
Can I freeze banana bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it at room temperature before slicing and enjoying!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a heartier bread, but note that it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve created this luscious Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, it’s time to slice into it and share a piece with someone you love. The combination of sweet bananas and warm cinnamon is undeniably comforting and sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every delicious bite!