Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially when it’s this delightful Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread! With its tender crumb and rich, warm spices, it’s the kind of treat that makes your house feel like a cozy hug. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this bread is a delicious way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Let’s dive into making this scrumptious loaf!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your banana bread slides out easily once baked.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are smooth and creamy. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined. You should have a luscious mix at this point.
- Add the baking soda and a pinch of salt to the banana mixture. Give it a good stir to combine the dry ingredients.
- Next, mix in the sugar, the beaten egg, and the vanilla extract. This will add sweetness and a lovely aroma.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want your bread to be tender!
- In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a fragrant mixture that will elevate your bread.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, creating a sweet surprise layer.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
- Using a knife, gently swirl the batter and cinnamon sugar together. This creates that beautiful swirl effect throughout your loaf!
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it keep its shape.
Notes or Tips
For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. If you want to get creative, consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for additional flavor and texture!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe emphasizes the importance of not overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, while light mixing helps maintain a tender crumb. When swirling the batter with a knife, it’s okay to be a bit messy; the beautiful swirls will make each slice unique!
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas? Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How do I store banana bread? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap!
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. With its cozy combination of banana and cinnamon, it’s the perfect companion for a warm cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy each bite, and don’t forget to share with loved ones—if you can resist eating it all yourself!