Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Bake

Is there anything more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home? This isn’t just any banana bread; it’s a cinnamon-swirled masterpiece that will have everyone begging for a second slice. Forget dry, bland banana bread – this recipe guarantees a moist, flavorful loaf with a delightful hint of cinnamon in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a homemade gift, this cinnamon banana bread recipe is your answer. Get ready to transform those overripe bananas into something truly extraordinary!

Why This Recipe Works

This cinnamon banana bread recipe stands out because it prioritizes both flavor and texture. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Those brown, spotty bananas are perfect! They also contribute to the bread’s moisture.
• Cinnamon Swirl Magic: The cinnamon sugar swirl isn’t just for looks. It adds pockets of intense cinnamon flavor and a touch of sweetness throughout the entire loaf.
• Oil and Butter Combination: Using both oil and melted butter provides the perfect balance of moisture and richness. The oil keeps the bread incredibly moist, while the butter adds a depth of flavor.
• Buttermilk for Tenderness: Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps to create a more tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry, we’ll provide a simple substitute.
• Proper Mixing Technique: We’ll guide you through the mixing process to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough bread.

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (or 1/4 cup milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cinnamon Swirl:
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
4. Add Eggs and Buttermilk: Stir in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract until incorporated. Then, add the buttermilk (or buttermilk substitute) and stir until just combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour are fine.
7. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
8. Assemble the Loaf: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
9. Add Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
10. Create a Swirl (Optional): Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter. Be careful not to overmix.
11. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
12. Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious cinnamon banana bread!

Tips for Success

Follow these tips to ensure your cinnamon banana bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs emulsify better, creating a smoother batter.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and lead to a dry bread.
• Test for Doneness: Start checking the bread for doneness around 50 minutes. Ovens vary, so it’s important to test with a toothpick.
• Let it Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice into the bread while it’s still hot. Allowing it to cool completely will prevent it from being gummy.
• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips (Optional): Feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture. About 1/2 cup to 1 cup is a good amount.

Storage Instructions

To keep your cinnamon banana bread fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezer: To freeze banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about this cinnamon banana bread recipe:

• Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and denser texture.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
• I don’t have buttermilk. What can I use? You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• My banana bread is sinking in the middle. What went wrong? This could be due to several factors, including overmixing the batter, the oven temperature being too low, or using too much liquid. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully and use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
• Can I make muffins instead of a loaf? Yes! This recipe can easily be adapted to make muffins. Fill muffin liners about 2/3 full and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Can I reduce the amount of sugar? You can reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the outcome. Reducing it more may impact the texture and sweetness.

Conclusion

This cinnamon banana bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of moist banana bread and a sweet, fragrant cinnamon swirl is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect way to use up those ripe bananas and create a comforting treat that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf of pure happiness! Enjoy!