Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread takes classic banana bread to the next level with a delicious cinnamon swirl and a sweet glaze. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cinnamon swirl)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Beat in the egg until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the mashed bananas to the butter and sugar mixture and mix well.
5. Step 5: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start with a third of the dry ingredients, then half of the milk, then another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining milk, and finally the last third of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until it forms a thick paste.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
9. Step 9: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
10. Step 10: Dollop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
11. Step 11: Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cinnamon swirl layer.
12. Step 12: Dollop the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter and swirl it in again.
13. Step 13: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
14. Step 14: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. Step 15: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk to reach desired glaze consistency.
16. Step 16: Once the banana bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
• For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Adjust the amount of cinnamon in the swirl to suit your taste.
• Try substituting milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and extra tenderness.
• To make it dairy-free, replace butter with vegan butter and milk with a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat slices briefly in a microwave or toaster oven for best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a soggy batter.

How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent sinking.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 59 reviews

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread combines moist, flavorful banana bread with a sweet and spicy cinnamon swirl, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfectly balanced with ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon, this recipe creates a delicious treat ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices) 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk

Cinnamon Swirl

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy to create a smooth base for the batter.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg until well combined, then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
3. Mash Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth to integrate nicely into the batter.
4. Combine Bananas with Batter: Add the mashed bananas to the butter and sugar mixture and mix well, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to prepare the dry component.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk—start with a third of the dry ingredients, then half the milk, then another third of dry ingredients, remaining milk, and finish with the last third of dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain tenderness.
7. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
8. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
9. Layer Batter and Cinnamon Swirl: Pour half the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
10. Add First Cinnamon Layer: Dollop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.
11. Add Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cinnamon swirl layer.
12. Add Second Cinnamon Swirl: Dollop the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top and swirl again with a knife to incorporate more cinnamon flavor.
13. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly to prevent burning.
14. Cool Bread: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
15. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
16. Apply Glaze: Once the banana bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
• Swirling the cinnamon mixture too much can blend it completely, losing the swirl effect.
• If you don’t have milk, you can substitute with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
• Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, homemade banana bread, quick bread, breakfast, dessert, vanilla glaze