Introduction
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home. This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a warm, spicy swirl of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free or dairy-free option, this recipe has got you covered. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a cozy dessert!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter for dairy option)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for swirl)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until they reach a smooth consistency, savoring that sweet, tropical aroma.
- Stir in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and eggs until everything is well combined and velvety.
- Sprinkle in the baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon, then gently fold in the gluten-free flour until just mixed; be careful not to overwork the batter.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon that will create the sweet swirl.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this first layer of batter, letting it create a tantalizing sweetness at the base.
- Carefully add the remaining banana bread batter on top, ensuring it covers all the cinnamon sugar below.
- Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on the very top, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor.
- Using a butter knife, gently swirl the mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect that will be a feast for your eyes as it bakes.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that it’s ready.
- Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help keep it moist and flavorful.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch, you can add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter! Be sure your gluten-free flour blend has a good balance of starches and proteins for the best texture. Letting your banana bread sit for a few hours (or even overnight) will enhance the flavors even more!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe relies on simple techniques like mashing, mixing, and swirling. Remember to mash the bananas well for a smoother texture in your loaf. When swirling the cinnamon-sugar mixture, a gentle touch is essential to keep beautiful streaks of sweetness without overmixing the batter.
FAQ
Can I make this banana bread vegan?
Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) to make it fully vegan.
Can I freeze the banana bread?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire! With its fluffy texture and delightful cinnamon-sugar surprise, it radiates warmth and comfort in every bite. Bake a loaf today and fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of happiness!