Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

The Best Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe for Cozy Baking Days

Baking a delectable cinnamon banana bread brings pure comfort and warmth to any kitchen.

The aromatic swirls of ground cinnamon dancing through soft banana bread create an irresistible treat that beckons everyone near.

Ripe bananas merge perfectly with warm spices, promising a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Each slice promises a delightful blend of sweet and spicy notes that comfort the soul.

Fragrant and inviting, this bread transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular homemade delight.

The rich aroma will fill your home with an enticing warmth that draws people together.

Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Banana Bread

Main Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
  • Flour: The primary structure and base of the banana bread.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the bread.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the banana.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

Steps for a Soft Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Turn the oven to 350°F.

Grab a loaf pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash and Blend Wet Ingredients

Take ripe bananas and crush them thoroughly with a fork until smooth and creamy.

Pour in melted butter and mix well.

Add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Ensure all dry ingredients are well blended and free of lumps.

Step 4: Create the Bread Batter

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet banana mixture.

Stir gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Pour and Smooth

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly and create a smooth top surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 55-65 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove bread from the oven.

Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.

Allow bread to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for Moist Banana Bread

  • Select very dark, speckled bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor, which helps create a moist and rich banana bread.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender; stir just until ingredients are combined to prevent developing tough gluten.
  • Check doneness early with a toothpick test around 50 minutes to ensure the bread doesn't become dry or overbaked.
  • Fold in optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to add extra texture and complexity.
  • Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.

Cinnamon Banana Bread Twists

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Banana Bread: Swap eggs with mashed flaxseed or chia seed mixture, use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose plant-based sugar.
  • Nutty Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for extra crunch and protein boost.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Bread: Use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or reduce sugar content by half and incorporate ripe bananas for natural sweetness.

Serving Suggestions for Banana Bread

  • Breakfast Bliss: Slice the warm banana bread and serve with a pat of soft butter melting on top for a comforting morning treat.
  • Morning Coffee Companion: Pair a thick slice with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to enhance the cinnamon's rich, warming flavor.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner sweet that transforms the bread into a decadent dessert.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Create elegant French toast by dipping slices in egg mixture and grilling until golden, perfect for weekend gatherings with friends and family.

Storage for Banana Bread That Lasts

  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep bread in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap completely cooled banana bread in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut bread into individual slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw individual slices at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.

FAQs

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread. They’re softer, sweeter, and mash more easily, giving your bread a richer flavor and natural sweetness.

  • Is it necessary to use cinnamon in the recipe?

While cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor, you can skip it if you don’t like it. The bread will still taste delicious with the banana base.

  • How can I tell if the banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Wet batter means it needs more time in the oven.

Cinnamon Banana Bread, Why You’ll Love Each Slice

  • Whip Up Comfort: Enjoy a warm, nostalgic slice of banana bread that wraps you in cozy kitchen vibes, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
  • Customize with Ease: Sprinkle extra cinnamon, add chocolate chips, or mix in nuts to make this recipe uniquely yours, creating a personalized treat.
  • Master Baking Confidence: This foolproof recipe is beginner-friendly, allowing even novice bakers to create a delicious homemade bread that impresses family and friends.
  • Snack or Dessert Champion: Versatile enough for breakfast, afternoon tea, or after-dinner sweet, this banana bread suits every mealtime and mood.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon banana bread brings warm memories of grandma’s kitchen, blending sweet ripe bananas with fragrant spices. Comfort flows through each tender slice, inviting you to savor a moment of pure, nostalgic delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Sweeteners and Flavors:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a loaf pan with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Transform ripe bananas into a soft, chunky mash using a fork, then blend with melted butter until smooth.
  3. Incorporate sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring vigorously to create a uniform, glossy mixture.
  4. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate vessel to eliminate potential lumps.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
  7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
  8. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and prevents crumbling.
  9. Carefully release the bread from the pan and position on a wire rack to cool completely, enabling the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up.

Notes

  • Swap overripe bananas for perfectly soft, sweet, and moist banana bread every time.
  • Enhance flavor by toasting cinnamon briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the dry ingredients, releasing deeper, more aromatic notes.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend, maintaining the bread’s tender texture.
  • Reduce sugar content by using ripe bananas as natural sweeteners and cutting granulated sugar by half, keeping the bread deliciously balanced.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star