If you’ve been searching for a truly delightful treat that combines the rich warmth of cinnamon with the tender sweetness of bananas, then you are in for a real treat with this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe. This bread is not just your average banana bread; it features a beautifully tender crumb with a unique swirl of cinnamon sugar that adds an irresistible depth of flavor and a touch of cozy comfort in every bite. The perfect balance of wholesome whole wheat and soft bread flour makes each slice moist and hearty, while the honey and ripe bananas provide a natural sweetness that’s entirely satisfying. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet ending to any meal, this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe might sound fancy, but the ingredients are straightforward and incredibly easy to find. Each element plays a crucial role: the right flour mix ensures a tender, soft texture, while the yeast gives a gentle lift; ripe bananas add moisture and sweetness, and the cinnamon swirl brings that signature aromatic touch that makes each slice unforgettable.
- Bread Flour (2 cups, divided): Provides structure and chewiness for the perfect crumb.
- Stone-Ground Whole Wheat Flour (1â…” cups): Adds nuttiness and wholesome texture.
- Platinum Yeast (1 package or 2¼ teaspoons): The secret to a gentle rise and fluffy bread.
- Kosher Salt (1½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors in the bread.
- Warm Water (¾ cup, 120°F to 130°F): Activates the yeast and creates the perfect dough consistency.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons, melted and divided): Adds richness and helps create that soft crumb.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Natural sweetness with a floral undertone.
- Mashed Ripe Banana (½ cup): Moisture and deep banana flavor that can’t be beat.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Adds a sweet finish especially for the cinnamon swirl.
- Ground Cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): Warms the bread and marries beautifully with banana.
- Large Egg (1): Binds ingredients together and enriches the dough.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Used in the egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
How to Make Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients and Activate Yeast
Start by whisking together 1¼ cups of bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, and kosher salt in your stand mixer’s bowl. This creates the foundation of the dough. Add warm water, melted butter, and honey, then beat at low speed until the dough just comes together. Cover the bowl and let it rest for about 15 minutes to activate the yeast, which is key for a light, airy bread texture.
Step 2: Add Remaining Flour and Banana
Next, add the remaining ½ cup of bread flour along with the mashed ripe banana to the dough. Using the dough hook, beat until the mixture is smooth and elastic. This step blends the banana wonderfully into the dough, ensuring every bite bursts with that fantastic fruity flavor.
Step 3: First Rise
Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, which typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes. This rise is crucial to develop the texture and flavor, making the bread light yet substantial.
Step 4: Shape and Create the Cinnamon Swirl
Roll the risen dough into a rectangle to prepare for that signature cinnamon swirl. Brush the surface with melted butter generously, then sprinkle the cinnamon and granulated sugar mixture evenly on top. Carefully roll the dough up like a jelly roll, making sure the cinnamon-sugar is nestled inside, then place the log into your loaf pan.
Step 5: Second Rise
Let the rolled dough rise again in the loaf pan until it doubles in size, taking approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This final rise ensures a tender crumb and allows the cinnamon swirl to set beautifully within the bread.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Egg Wash
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash, which will give your banana bread a gorgeous golden crust once baked.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the risen dough with the egg wash for that perfect sheen and then place it in the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the loaf is golden and sounds hollow when tapped. This baking time ensures that the bread is cooked through while maintaining a soft interior.
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Once baked, it’s important to let your Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe cool completely before slicing. Cooling helps the flavors settle and the texture firm up for neat, delicious slices you’ll be eager to share.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, consider a light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey over freshly sliced banana bread. For those who like a little extra flair, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few toasted nuts on top adds a lovely touch and delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe pairs exceptionally well with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. For a heartier snack or breakfast, serve it alongside creamy Greek yogurt or a dollop of cream cheese to balance the sweetness and add richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Slice the banana bread thickly and toast it lightly, then serve with whipped cream and fresh berries for a brunch treat. You can also turn it into a sweet sandwich by adding peanut butter and slices of banana, making a dessert or snack that feels playful yet indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe will stay fresh for a couple of days stored tightly wrapped at room temperature or in an airtight container. This keeps the crumb moist and prevents the bread from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, slice the cooled bread and freeze the individual pieces in a zip-top bag or airtight container. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes, with minimal effort.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored bread back to life, warm it gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This revives the softness and enhances the cinnamon aroma beautifully, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread and whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but using bread and whole wheat flours adds more texture and flavor. The bread flour provides chewiness, while the whole wheat brings a nuttier taste, making the bread more interesting.
How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?
For the best flavor and moisture, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more aromatic your banana bread will be.
Is it possible to make this bread without yeast?
This particular Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe relies on yeast for its texture and rise. If you want a quicker version without yeast, a classic banana quick bread recipe with baking soda would be a better fit.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Absolutely. You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives, though they may slightly alter the flavor profile. Avoid granulated sugar here because liquid sweeteners help keep the dough moist.
Why is it important to let the bread cool before slicing?
Cooling allows the crumb to firm up and the flavors to meld, making clean slices possible without crumbling or sticking. Plus, the banana and cinnamon flavors deepen as the bread cools.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe is one of those ultimate comfort foods that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its inviting aroma, deliciously tender texture, and perfectly balanced flavors make it a joy to bake and even more fun to share. If you love banana bread with a little something extra, don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you just might find your new favorite go-to!
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Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 1 standard loaf pan size, making approximately 8 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread combines the wholesome flavors of whole wheat and bread flours with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and baked to golden perfection, this loaf offers a moist, flavorful twist on classic banana bread with a delightful cinnamon aroma.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups (255g) bread flour, divided
- 1â…” cups (207g) stone-ground whole wheat flour
- 1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2¼ teaspoons Platinum Yeast
- 1½ teaspoons (4.5g) kosher salt
- ¾ cup (180g) warm water (120°F/49°C to 130°F/54°C)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) plus 2 teaspoons (10g) unsalted butter, melted and divided
- 2 tablespoons (42g) honey
- ½ cup (114g) mashed ripe banana
- 1 large egg (50g)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) water
Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons (3g) ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 1¼ cups (159g) bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, and salt to combine uniformly.
- Add wet ingredients and initial mixing: Add warm water, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and honey to the dry mixture. Beat at low speed until the dough comes together. Cover the bowl and let stand for 15 minutes to allow it to hydrate.
- Incorporate remaining flour and banana: Add ½ cup (64g) bread flour and mashed banana to the dough. Using the dough hook attachment, beat until the dough is smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball.
- First rise: Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, approximately 30-45 minutes.
- Shape and add cinnamon swirl: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Brush the surface with 2 teaspoons melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (¼ cup sugar mixed with 1½ teaspoons cinnamon). Roll up the rectangle tightly and place the roll seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
- Second rise: Let the shaped dough rise again until doubled in size, about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Apply egg wash and bake: Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan before slicing to preserve structure and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water used is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly without killing it. Aim between 120°F to 130°F (49°C to 54°C).
- Stone-ground whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and denser texture compared to all-purpose flour.
- Adjust rising times based on your room temperature; warmer environments speed up yeast activity.
- The banana adds moisture and subtle sweetness, balancing the cinnamon swirl perfectly.
- For best results, use a stand mixer with a dough hook but the dough can be mixed and kneaded by hand.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
