Introduction
Welcome to the cozy world of homemade baking! This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is not only a delightful treat but also a heartwarming way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. With its rich and creamy banana flavor swirled with a cinnamon-sugar delight, each slice is a comforting hug you can enjoy at any time of the day. Plus, it’s gluten-free and offers a dairy-free option, making it a wonderful choice for everyone at the table. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for swirl)
- 1 tablespoon 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan, ensuring it’s ready for that delicious batter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended and creates a lovely banana base.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This will be your dry mixture.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. If you love a little crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create a sweet cinnamon swirl topping.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top to infuse that lovely flavor.
- Add the remaining batter and top it off with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Grab a knife or toothpick and gently swirl the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and your kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma.
- Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can resist the temptation to slice it right away!
Notes or Tips
For a little extra indulgence, consider spreading a thin layer of nut butter on a warm slice. This banana bread also freezes beautifully, so feel free to make an extra loaf to enjoy later! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe relies on a few simple techniques: mashing bananas, mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, and the swirling method for the cinnamon sugar. Take your time to mix well but don’t over-mix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients—this helps create that soft and tender crumb we all love in banana bread.
FAQ
Can I use regular flour instead of a gluten-free blend? Absolutely! If you don’t require a gluten-free option, regular all-purpose flour will work just fine.
What can I substitute for coconut oil? Melted butter or vegetable oil can be used as a tasty alternative.
How should I store the banana bread? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week.
Conclusion
There you have it—a warm, inviting Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Every bite is packed with flavor and nostalgia, making it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Grab those ripe bananas and let’s bake some love into your kitchen!