If you love banana bread but wish it had the cozy, spiced warmth of a cinnamon roll, this Best Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is exactly what you need. Moist, tender banana bread is layered with a buttery cinnamon‑sugar swirl that runs through the center like a ribbon, giving every slice that sweet, bakery‑style flavor you crave. It bakes in a single loaf pan, keeps beautifully for days, and makes an incredible breakfast, snack, or dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.
This version is designed to be easy and forgiving, using simple pantry staples and no mixer. The batter comes together in one bowl, and the swirl is made with just sugar, cinnamon, and a little melted butter, so it’s hard to mess up. Once it’s out of the oven, the aroma of warm bananas and cinnamon will fill your kitchen and have everyone at the table before you even slice it.
Complete Ingredient List (Makes 1 Loaf)
This version is easy to scale up if you want to bake two loaves at once.
For the Banana Bread
- 3 large very ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra spice)
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping (Optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Vanilla glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons milk + ½ teaspoon vanilla, whisked smooth)
Step‑By‑Step Instructions
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55–65 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5‑inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slices.
Make the Banana Bread Batter
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add the melted butter and whisk until combined. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well blended.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix, or the bread can become tough.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Stir in the melted butter until you have a thick, spreadable paste.
Assemble the Swirl
Pour about half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer. Spoon the cinnamon‑sugar mixture over the batter and spread it gently with the back of a spoon, leaving a small border around the edges so it doesn’t leak out. Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the top and spread it as evenly as possible.
Use a butter knife or skewer to make large swirls through the batter, starting from the center and working outward. You don’t need to be neat; the goal is to create visible ribbons of cinnamon sugar without fully mixing it in.
Bake Until Golden
Bake the banana bread for 55–65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Cool and Slice
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice with a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts.
Serve
Serve the Best Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread warm or at room temperature. For extra indulgence, dust it with cinnamon sugar, drizzle it with vanilla glaze, or serve it with a pat of butter. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or milk.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest, most flavorful bread. For a lighter texture, you can add ¼ cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter. Make the bread ahead of time and store it at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months. For meal prep, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Slice)
This banana bread is rich in carbohydrates from the flour and sugars, with healthy fats from the butter and bananas. The eggs add protein and help bind the batter, while the bananas provide fiber and natural sweetness. You can lighten it slightly by using less sugar, a lighter oil, or a smaller slice size.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Best Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is incredibly photogenic: golden slices with visible cinnamon ribbons, dusted with sugar and served with a steaming cup of coffee, make it pop on camera. The “like a banana‑cinnamon roll” hook resonates with busy home cooks who want something easy but elevated. For Pinterest, focus on overhead shots of the loaf with slices arranged neatly and a mug of coffee in the corner, and keep the background simple so the colors stand out.
Serve this banana bread with extra glaze and a side of fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this easy, flavorful bread has become such a favorite for quick dinners, potlucks, and snack platters.
