Banana Bread With Cinnamon Swirl

This delicious banana bread with cinnamon swirl takes the classic flavor of cinnamon banana bread and gives it a tweak. In addition to the cinnamon in the batter, this tender banana bread features a rich, buttery cinnamon swirl throughout the center of the bread for a blast of unexpected flavor in every bite. 

Well, here we are again. I have another delicious sweet recipe that everyone is going to love. Of course, by now it should be no surprise to anyone that I do love making desserts, quick breads, and other sweet treats. After all, my site is loaded with them! Today, I’m sharing a banana bread recipe that features a nice little twist your family and friends will love. On the outside, this banana bread looks like any other bread of its kind, but then when you slice it you see that thick swirl of cinnamon in the center. Woooo! Everyone I serve this bread to absolutely flips over it. 

 

Banana Bread with Cinnamon Swirl

This delicious banana bread starts with a classic banana bread batter made with ripe bananas, cinnamon, and walnuts. There’s even a secret ingredient that makes this particular banana bread even moister and more tender – mayo! Don’t worry, you can’t taste it. I make the batter, then I add half of it to a loaf pan. After that, I add the cinnamon mixture to the center and swirl it in, top with the rest of the batter, and bake until it’s a deep golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. It’s an easy banana bread recipe variation that’s always a huge hit whenever I serve it! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It only takes a few basic ingredients. 
• It’s an easy banana bread recipe that even beginners can make. 
• It’s super moist and tender with a ribbon of swirled cinnamon in the center. 
• It’s a great afternoon snack or sweet breakfast. 

Ingredients

This simple recipe only uses a few basic baking ingredients, and you might just have them all in your house right now. If you do happen to need anything, you can find it quickly and easily at your local grocery store. 

For the Banana Bread

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped finely or crushed walnuts – 1 tablespoon reserved for topping
• 3 medium ripe bananas – mashed
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, make sure both are fresh 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, I used fine sea salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted and cooled slightly
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 to 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• small pinch salt, I used fine sea salt
• powdered sugar for garnish, this is optional

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×5 loaf pan
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Table knife or wooden spoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Make Banana Bread with Cinnamon Swirl

Making this recipe is no more difficult than a basic cinnamon bread recipe. The only difference is the addition of the cinnamon swirl, which is easy to make and swirl into the bread. Even beginners can do this with ease!

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9×5 loaf pan. Set aside. 
2. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and walnuts in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk to lighten the mixture up and reserve 1 teaspoon for topping the bread. 
3. Mix the mashed bananas, mayonnaise, vanilla, sugar, and egg in a large bowl. 
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently folding them together until just combined. The batter will be very thick. 
5. Combine the cinnamon swirl ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. 
6. Spread half the batter into the bottom of the loaf pan. 
7. Dollop half the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the batter and make a thick swirl with a table knife or the bottom of a wooden spoon. 
8. Add the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar mixture to the pan and swirl in the same manner. 
9. Add the reserved walnut to the top of the bread batter and sprinkle the reserved flour mixture over it. 
10. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 
11. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool completely. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

• Pecans work well in place of walnuts. 
• You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt in place of the mayo for the same effect. 
• Chocolate chips make a wonderful addition to this banana bread. 
• Try adding cinnamon chips to the bread for an even bigger blast of cinnamon flavor. 

Tips

• Be sure to dig down the sides of your mixing bowl to ensure all the dry and wet banana bread ingredients are mixed. 
• Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing will make the bread tough. 
• Use a table knife or the bottom of a spoon to make big swirls. You want well-defined swirls, not mud. 
• If you need to ripen your bananas quickly, place them in a sealed paper bag overnight or for a couple of days. 
• For even quicker ripening, place your bananas with the skin on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store for up to 3 days in an air-tight container. 

Refrigerator: Refrigerate for up to 3 days. 

Freezer: Wrap the bread tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then place in a Ziplock bag and store for up to 2 months.

What to Serve with Banana Bread with Cinnamon Swirl 

This banana bread is perfect with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee or hot tea. Serving it alongside a coffee-based cocktail or dessert wine is also a great option. In addition, try pairing this bread with:

• Rice pudding
• Candied pecans
• Fresh berries
• Ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Yogurt

 

More Banana Bread Recipes

If you love banana bread as much as I do, then these recipes are for you!

• Toasted Coconut Banana Bread
• Healthy Blueberry Banana Bread with Oatmeal and Flax
• Quick and Easy Carrot Banana Bread

FAQ

What is banana bread?

Banana bread is a classic quick sweet bread made with a basic quick bread batter mixed with mashed bananas.

How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?

At minimum, bananas used for baking should have completely yellow skin with black spots all over it. The absolute best bananas for baking have deep brown or black skin. 

Can a banana be too ripe for baking? 

No! The darker the banana’s skin the better. The only time you should not use a banana is if it is giving off a foul odor, is oozing liquid, or has mold growing on it. 

Where does banana bread come from?

No one knows exactly when banana bread originated, but food historians agree that it was first made by resourceful housewives during the great depression who didn’t want to throw out overripe bananas. 

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy this delicious and special banana bread. It turns out so good every time.

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