Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting scent of cinnamon banana bread baking in the oven. This moist, flavorful loaf is packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a warm, spiced kick from cinnamon. It's a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a chilly Sunday morning, trying to use up overripe bananas sitting on my counter. What started as a spur-of-the-moment bake quickly became a family favorite. Now, it’s my go-to whenever I need a cozy, homemade treat. Let’s dive into what makes this cinnamon banana bread so special!

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Get ready to meet your new favorite banana bread recipe. This cinnamon-spiced version takes the classic loaf to a whole new level.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one bowl and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have it mixed and in the oven in no time. Perfect for beginner bakers or anyone craving something quick and delicious.

Next, the flavor is out of this world. The natural sweetness of the bananas pairs beautifully with the warmth of ground cinnamon, creating a loaf that’s perfectly balanced in taste.

It’s also super versatile. Whether you like to enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or even topped with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, this bread can do it all. Plus, it freezes wonderfully, so you can always have some on hand.

Finally, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. From kids to adults, everyone loves a slice of this cinnamon banana bread. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting to friends.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this loaf so delicious!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this cinnamon banana bread lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect loaf.

• Bananas: Ripe, spotty bananas are essential for maximum sweetness and moisture. The riper, the better! You’ll need about three medium bananas for this recipe.
• Ground Cinnamon: This is the star spice of the recipe, adding a cozy, warm flavor throughout the loaf. Use high-quality cinnamon for the best results.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, providing the structure for the bread. If you’d like to make it gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute works well.
• Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar instead of white adds a slight molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully. It also helps keep the loaf moist.
• Butter or Oil: Both work well, but melted butter gives the bread a richer flavor, while oil keeps it extra moist.
• Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and add richness. Room-temperature eggs are ideal for even mixing.

No special equipment is required—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a standard loaf pan!

How To Make This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Making cinnamon banana bread is a simple, satisfying process. Follow these steps to create your own perfect loaf.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, mash your bananas until smooth. A fork or potato masher works well here. Stir in the melted butter (or oil) and brown sugar, mixing until fully combined.

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for a touch of extra flavor.

In the same bowl, sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. For an extra cinnamon touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar over the batter before baking.

Bake the loaf for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

This loaf is irresistible fresh out of the oven, but the flavors deepen as it cools. Slice it up and enjoy!

Storage Options

This cinnamon banana bread stores beautifully, so you can savor it for days to come.

• Room Temperature: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezer: Slice the loaf and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or reheat in the microwave for a warm treat.

Reheating is easy—pop a slice in the toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked warmth.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some fun ideas to try:

• Add Mix-Ins: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture. Chocolate chips or dried fruit also make great additions.
• Make It Healthier: Swap out half the flour for whole wheat flour, or use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make this bread dairy-free.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to enhance the warm spice profile.
• Glaze It: Whip up a simple cream cheese glaze or drizzle the cooled loaf with a powdered sugar icing for a sweeter presentation.

No matter how you make it, this cinnamon banana bread is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab those ripe bananas and let’s get baking!

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