If you are on the lookout for a comforting, aromatic treat that combines the best of both worlds—sweet, tender banana bread with a cozy touch of warm spice—you have to try this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic banana bread, where luscious mashed bananas meet a swirled cinnamon-sugar filling, creating irresistible layers of flavor and texture in each bite. This recipe uses a blend of bread flour and stone-ground whole wheat flour for a hearty yet soft crumb, enriched with honey’s natural sweetness and the comforting fragrance of cinnamon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe plays a special part in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma. From the sturdy bread flour that builds the base, to the ripe bananas that add moisture and natural sweetness, and of course the cinnamon that gives this bread its signature spiral of warmth.
- Bread flour (2 cups, divided): Provides structure and a chewy crumb essential for the perfect banana bread feel.
- Stone-ground whole wheat flour (1â…” cups): Adds nuttiness, fiber, and a rustic touch to your loaf.
- Platinum yeast (7g): Helps the dough rise beautifully, creating a light yet substantial texture.
- Kosher salt (1½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Warm water (¾ cup at 120-130°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough ingredients.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons, melted): Brings richness and keeps the bread tender.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral note.
- Mashed ripe banana (½ cup): The star ingredient delivering moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakably banana flavor.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Together with cinnamon, this creates the sweet swirl that defines the bread.
- Ground cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): The warm spice giving the bread its signature cinnamon swirl and cozy aroma.
- Large egg (1): Provides richness and helps bind 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: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Activate Yeast
Start by whisking together 1¼ cups of bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, and salt in your stand mixer’s bowl. Adding the warm water, melted butter, and honey next, beat everything at a low speed until the dough just comes together. Cover this mixture and let it rest for 15 minutes—this short rest helps the flour absorb moisture fully, making the dough easier to work with.
Step 2: Incorporate Banana and Additional Flour
Once rested, add the remaining ½ cup bread flour and the mashed ripe banana. Using the dough hook attachment, mix until the dough turns smooth and elastic. This step ensures the banana is fully integrated and evenly distributed, adding moisture without weighing down your bread.
Step 3: First Rise to Double the Dough
Shape the dough into a ball, then set it in a greased bowl or container. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, which typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. This rise is crucial—it develops flavor and creates those lovely air pockets that give the bread its soft yet slightly chewy texture.
Step 4: Shape and Add the Cinnamon Swirl
Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush the entire surface with melted butter to keep it moist and tender, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly over it. Roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edge, and place it seam-side down in a loaf pan. This step is where all the magic happens, transforming simple bread into a cinnamon-swirled masterpiece.
Step 5: Second Rise Before Baking
Allow the dough to rise again until it has doubled, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This final proof ensures the loaf will be light and fluffy while baking.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix the egg with water to make an egg wash, then brush it gently over the surface of the dough. This will give your bread a beautiful golden crust with a lovely sheen. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time lets the crumb set and prevents the loaf from crumbling when cut.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While the bread is delightful on its own, garnishing with a light spread of creamy butter or a drizzle of honey can elevate each slice. For an extra touch, add a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea, enhancing its warm spices. You can also serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast or a wholesome snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spread of cream cheese frosting for a dessert-style treat. Another fun idea is to cut the bread into cubes and toast them for a crunchy cinnamon banana bread crouton, perfect for topping yogurt or ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe fresh by wrapping leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays lovely for up to three days without losing its moist texture.
Freezing
This banana bread freezes fabulously. Slice it first, then place the slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen banana bread can last up to two months—just thaw at room temperature or toast straight from the freezer for quick enjoyment.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop slices in the toaster or warm them gently in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Reheating enhances the aroma and softens the cinnamon sugar swirl, making each bite irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! While bread flour gives the banana bread a chewier texture, all-purpose flour will still produce a delicious, tender loaf. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly softer and less elastic.
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
The riper the better! Look for bananas with heavily spotted or even mostly brown skins—they pack more natural sugar and moisture, which is perfect for rich banana flavor and moist bread.
Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar. Each will bring a slightly different flavor nuance, but honey’s subtle floral sweetness complements the cinnamon and banana beautifully.
Is it necessary to use yeast in this recipe?
This particular Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe uses yeast rather than baking powder or soda to achieve a unique, bread-like texture with a tender crumb. Omission or substitution will alter the rise and overall texture.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
This recipe relies on bread and whole wheat flours for texture and rise, so making it gluten-free would require a completely different flour blend and recipe adjustment to maintain structure and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe is a surefire way to brighten your kitchen with warmth and scrumptiousness. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy dessert, this bread is packed with wholesome ingredients and irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirls that make every bite a small celebration. So grab your ingredients and start baking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread combines the wholesome flavors of stone-ground whole wheat and bread flours with ripe banana and a sweet cinnamon swirl. The bread is enriched with honey and butter, creating a moist, tender crumb with a beautiful cinnamon-sugar spiral inside. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack, this bread leverages yeast for a light and fluffy texture, baked to a golden finish.
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) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (42g) honey
- ½ cup (114g) mashed ripe banana
- ½ cup (64g) bread flour
Cinnamon Swirl
- 2 teaspoons (10g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons (3g) ground cinnamon
Finish
- 1 large egg (50g)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 1¼ cups (159g) bread flour, stone-ground whole wheat flour, yeast, and kosher salt. Add warm water (120°F/49°C to 130°F/54°C), 2 tablespoons melted butter, and honey. Beat at low speed until the dough comes together into a sticky mass. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes to allow initial fermentation.
- Add Remaining Flour and Banana: To the dough, add ½ cup (64g) bread flour and the mashed ripe banana. Using the dough hook attachment, beat the mixture until smooth and elastic, forming a cohesive dough. Shape the dough into a ball.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl and Shape Dough: Roll the dough out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush the surface evenly with 2 teaspoons (10g) melted butter. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon and sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar evenly over the buttered dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log and place it seam side down in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and allow the dough to rise again until doubled in size, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Whisk together the large egg and 1 tablespoon water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the top of the risen dough to achieve a glossy, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the bread is cooked through and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This ensures clean slices and preserves the texture of the bread.
Notes
- Use warm water between 120°F and 130°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you do not have stone-ground whole wheat flour, regular whole wheat flour can be substituted, but may alter texture slightly.
- For a stronger banana flavor, use very ripe, spotty bananas that are soft to the touch.
- Ensure the dough double-rise times are observed for a fluffy texture.
- The egg wash is optional but recommended for a shiny crust.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
