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Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread Recipe

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This Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread features moist, tender banana bread enriched with swirls of buttery cinnamon sugar, creating a delightful marbled effect and warm, comforting flavors. Perfectly golden and topped with banana slices, it's an irresistible dessert or snack option.

Ingredients

Batter:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 and 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 4 bananas)

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 6 thin slices of ripe banana, for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside to prepare for the batter.
  2. Mix batter: In a large bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Whisk in the granulated sugar, then add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in the all-purpose flour and baking soda until just combined. Fold in the mashed ripe bananas carefully, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  3. Prepare cinnamon sugar swirl: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon using a fork, mixing until thick and well combined. If the mixture is too thick to swirl, add up to one additional tablespoon of melted butter to thin it slightly, ensuring it holds its shape during baking.
  4. Layer batter and swirl: Spread 1/4 of the banana bread batter (about 1 cup) evenly into the bottom of the loaf pan. Dollop 1/4 of the cinnamon sugar mixture (about 1 tablespoon) over the batter and swirl gently using a table knife or wooden spoon to create a marbled effect.
  5. Add second layer and swirl: Spread approximately 1/3 of the remaining batter (about 1 cup) over the first layer. Add 1/3 of the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture (about 1 tablespoon) on top and swirl again to create distinct layers.
  6. Third layer and swirl: Layer half of the remaining batter (about 1 cup) over the second swirl, then garnish with half of the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture (about 1 tablespoon). Swirl through the batter as before.
  7. Top layer and banana garnish: Spread the remaining batter evenly across the top of the loaf and dollop with the last of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Create large swirls throughout. Arrange six thin banana slices down the center of the batter for a beautiful garnish.
  8. Bake: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake on the middle oven rack for 60-70 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf with foil and continue baking until fully cooked through.
  9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • If the cinnamon sugar swirl mixture is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to thin it out, but avoid making it too runny to maintain defined swirls.
  • Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture in the bread.
  • Cooling the bread fully before slicing ensures clean slices and enhances flavor intensity.
  • The baking sheet underneath the loaf pan helps catch any drips and promotes even baking.
  • Adjust baking time as necessary depending on your oven; use a toothpick to check doneness.