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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

A delightful banana bread featuring a sweet cinnamon swirl, perfect for cozy mornings or snacks. Easy to make with minimal cleanup, this recipe is sure to please everyone.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 pieces ripe bananas Use very ripe, spotty bananas for the sweetest flavor and easiest mashing.
  • 1/3 cup melted butter Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in the recipe.
  • 1 tsp baking soda A leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become tender.
  • 0.125 tsp salt Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • 3/4 cup sugar Granulated sugar provides sweetness and contributes to the bread's moisture.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder and adds richness to the batter.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Pure vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Measure by spooning into the cup and leveling off to avoid a dense bread.
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon Use fresh, aromatic cinnamon for the best swirl flavor.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Adds a moist, caramel-like sweetness to the swirl.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
  3. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
  4. Mix in the baking soda and salt.
  5. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
  6. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  7. In a separate small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
  8. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  9. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter in the pan.
  10. Pour the remaining banana batter on top, spreading it gently.
  11. Lastly, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
  12. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the batter to create a marbled effect.
  13. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  14. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

This banana bread stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, a week in the fridge, and can be frozen for up to 3 months. For variations, you can make it vegan or add nuts or chocolate chips.