There are few scents as comforting as banana bread baking in the oven—unless, of course, it’s the warm, aromatic scent of cinnamon. So, I thought, why not combine the two? If you loved my super moist chocolate chip banana bread, I am so excited to introduce you to its warmly spiced, cozy cousin. Welcome to my recipe for the absolute best Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.
This is, quite simply, the perfect autumn bake. We start with my signature, unbelievably moist and tender banana bread base. Then, we weave a beautiful, rich ribbon of buttery, brown sugar and cinnamon right through the middle, and finish it with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. It is the perfect marriage of a classic banana bread and a delicious, spiced coffee cake.
Every slice reveals a beautiful swirl of spice, and the aroma that fills your kitchen in Cologne as it bakes is pure, unadulterated comfort. This is a simple twist that elevates a humble classic into something truly special.
The Coziest Twist on a Classic
This recipe is built on the foundation of my tried-and-true, no-fail banana bread base. Its perfect texture and deep banana flavor come from very ripe bananas and the magic of a little sour cream. But the real star of this version is, of course, the cinnamon swirl.
The inspiration was to create a loaf that was as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. The technique is so simple, but the result is a bakery-style loaf with a stunning ribbon of spice running through it. It’s not just a little cinnamon mixed in; it’s a distinct, buttery, and sweet layer that makes each bite a little different. It’s the perfect treat to bake on a lazy weekend and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee as you watch the autumn leaves fall.
Why You’ll Adore This Cinnamon-Spiced Version:
- A Beautiful Cinnamon Ribbon: The simple swirling technique creates a stunning visual that makes this loaf look extra special.
- Warmly Spiced & Incredibly Aromatic: The cinnamon swirl and crunchy topping make your whole house smell like a cozy dream.
- Still SUPER Moist & Tender: This recipe is built on my foolproof, ultra-moist banana bread base, so you know it will have the perfect texture.
- The Perfect Autumn Bake: The combination of sweet banana and warm cinnamon is the ultimate flavor duo for a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients & Equipment
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- Light Brown Sugar: 50g (¼ cup), packed.
- Ground Cinnamon (gemahlener Zimt): 1 tablespoon.
For the Banana Bread Batter:
- Very Ripe Bananas: 3 large (or 4 medium), mashed well (about 1 ½ cups).
- Unsalted Butter: 115g (½ cup), melted and slightly cooled.
- Sour Cream (Schmand): 60g (¼ cup).
- Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
- Light Brown Sugar: 100g (½ cup), packed.
- Granulated Sugar: 100g (½ cup).
- All-Purpose Flour (Mehl Type 405): 250g (2 cups).
- Baking Soda (Natron): 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon.
For the Crunchy Topping:
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
Helpful Equipment:
- A 9×5 inch (or similar 23×13 cm) loaf pan (
Kastenform). - A large mixing bowl.
- A butter knife or skewer for swirling.
Time Estimates
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s create this beautiful, swirled masterpiece.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven, Pan, and Toppings Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour your loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper with an overhang on the long sides. In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for the swirl filling. In another small bowl, mix together the 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the crunchy topping. Set both bowls aside.
Step 2: Make the Banana Bread Batter In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Whisk in the melted butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Add the ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar and whisk until smooth. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold with a spatula just until the streaks of flour disappear. Remember not to overmix!
Step 3: Assemble the Swirl Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl filling mixture evenly over the batter. Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer and smooth the top.
Step 4: Create the Swirl Take a butter knife or a skewer and insert it into the batter. Make 2-3 gentle “S” shaped curves down the length of the loaf pan to lightly swirl the cinnamon filling into the batter. Do not over-swirl, or you will lose the distinct ribbon effect.
Step 5: Add Topping and Bake Sprinkle the crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping mixture evenly over the top of the batter. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but no wet batter. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil for the last 15 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before lifting it out to cool completely on the rack. Slicing it while it’s warm is tempting, but letting it cool will ensure clean slices and a perfect texture.
Notes, Tips & Variations
- The Art of the Swirl: The key to a beautiful, distinct swirl is restraint. Just two or three gentle passes with a knife is all you need. If you mix it too much, the cinnamon filling will just blend into the batter.
- Add a Glaze: For a truly decadent treat that leans into the “cinnamon roll” vibe, you can top the cooled bread with a simple cream cheese glaze. Just whisk together 60g (¼ cup) of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and a tablespoon or two of milk until smooth.
- Nutty Addition: Toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts are a fantastic addition to this recipe. You can add about ¾ cup to the batter itself, or sprinkle them into the cinnamon swirl filling for a crunchy, spiced layer.
- Storage: Store the banana bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay wonderfully moist for up to 4 days.
The Best Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large very ripe bananas mashed
- 115 g ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 60 g ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100 g ½ cup light brown sugar
- 100 g ½ cup granulated sugar
- 250 g 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon swirl ingredients. In another small bowl, mix the topping ingredients.
- Make Batter: In a large bowl, mash bananas. Whisk in melted butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and both sugars until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and fold with a spatula just until combined.
- Assemble: Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the top. Top with the remaining batter.
- Swirl: Insert a butter knife into the batter and make 2-3 gentle "S" shapes to create a swirl. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping over the loaf. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick test comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a distinct swirl, do not overmix the layers with your knife.
- A simple cream cheese glaze can be added once the bread is cool for an extra treat.
- Toasted pecans or walnuts are a delicious addition to the swirl filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I get a perfect cinnamon swirl that doesn’t just sink to the bottom or disappear? There are two tricks! First, the filling itself has just enough sugar and cinnamon to be distinct. Second, and most importantly, is the swirling technique. Layering the batter and filling is key. When you swirl with your knife, be gentle and only make two or three passes. You are just lightly marbling the layers, not mixing them together. This will keep that beautiful ribbon intact.
2. Can I add a glaze to this banana bread? Absolutely! A glaze would be delicious and make it even more like a cinnamon roll. I recommend a simple cream cheese glaze. Once the bread is completely cool, whisk together 60g (¼ cup) of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and a tablespoon or two of milk until you reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
3. My bananas aren’t brown and spotty yet. Can I still use them? For the best flavor and moisture, you really want to wait for those bananas to get super ripe. If you’re in a hurry, you can “ripen” them yourself! Place the unpeeled yellow bananas on a baking sheet and bake them at 150°C (300°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the peels are shiny and black. Let them cool completely before you mash them.
4. Can I add nuts or raisins to this version? Of course! Toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a fantastic addition. I recommend adding about ¾ cup of chopped nuts directly into the cinnamon swirl filling layer for a crunchy, spiced surprise in the middle of the loaf. Raisins could also be added to the batter if you like.
Ready for the Coziest Bake Ever?
The aroma of this Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread baking is truly one of the best things about autumn. I hope this cozy twist on a classic brings a little warmth and happiness to your kitchen. If you bake a loaf, I would love it if you left a comment and a star rating below!
For more comforting baking recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram. Now go put the kettle on—you’re going to want a hot cup of tea or coffee with a warm slice of this bread! And try out my Super Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe.