If you love the comforting aroma of cinnamon paired with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, you are in for an absolute treat with this Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe. This delightful loaf blends hearty whole wheat and bread flours with a tender crumb, packed full of a cinnamon-spiced swirl that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or with your morning coffee, this bread brings together simple ingredients to create a loaf that is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a true family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients sets the foundation for a bread that’s rich in flavor, moist texture, and a golden crust. Each ingredient plays its part, from the hearty whole wheat flour providing a nutty depth to the honey lending natural sweetness that balances the cinnamon perfectly.
- 2 cups (255g) bread flour, divided: Offers structure and chewiness to the bread’s texture.
- 1â…” cups (207g) stone-ground whole wheat flour: Adds wholesome flavor and a slightly coarse texture.
- 1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2¼ teaspoons Platinum Yeast: Essential for rising and lightness.
- 1½ teaspoons (4.5g) kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¾ cup (180g) warm water (120°F/49°C to 130°F/54°C): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons (28g) plus 2 teaspoons (10g) unsalted butter, melted and divided: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 2 tablespoons (42g) honey: Brings natural sweetness and moisture.
- ½ cup (114g) mashed ripe banana: Infuses the bread with that unmistakable banana flavor and extra moisture.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes in the cinnamon swirl.
- 1½ teaspoons (3g) ground cinnamon: The star spice of our swirl, giving warmth and spice.
- 1 large egg (50g): Used for the egg wash to give the crust a beautiful golden finish.
- 1 tablespoon (15g) water: Mixed with the egg for the wash to help it spread evenly.
How to Make Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Flours and Yeast
Start by whisking together 1¼ cups of the bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, and salt in a stand mixer bowl. This combination lays the foundation for a well-balanced, beautifully textured bread.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Begin the Dough
Pour in the warm water, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and honey. Beat the mixture on low speed just until the dough begins to come together, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate fully.
Step 3: Incorporate Banana and Remaining Flour
Add the remaining ½ cup bread flour and the mashed ripe banana to the dough. Using the dough hook, beat until the dough is smooth and well combined, then shape it into a ball for its first rise.
Step 4: First Rise
Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, roughly 30 to 45 minutes. This step wakes up the yeast and develops flavor and loft.
Step 5: Shape and Swirl
Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Brush it generously with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon and granulated sugar evenly over the top. Roll the dough tightly into a log and place it into a greased loaf pan, cinnamon swirl side up.
Step 6: Second Rise
Allow the shaped dough to rise again until doubled, about 15 to 20 minutes. This final rise will ensure a light and tender crumb.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Beat the egg with water to make an egg wash, then brush it over the dough’s surface. This will create a gorgeous golden crust as it bakes.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before slicing to preserve that lovely crumb structure.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of butter or cream cheese is a classic way to enjoy each slice, but topping your bread with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation and sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your banana bread with a fresh fruit salad or a warm mug of tea or coffee for a balanced breakfast or an inviting afternoon snack. The natural sweetness and spice complement creamy yogurt as well, perfect for a wholesome treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends? Serve thick toasted slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert. Or cut into cubes and serve as part of a brunch bread basket with assorted jams and nut butters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps retain moisture while preventing it from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread whole or sliced; wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the countertop.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until deliciously soft and fragrant again. Adding a pat of butter before warming creates an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread and whole wheat flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used, but your bread may be less chewy and slightly lighter in flavor. Using bread and whole wheat flours adds heartiness and texture unique to this recipe.
What if I don’t have Platinum Yeast?
Any active dry yeast or instant yeast will work as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust proofing times slightly and ensure your water temperature is ideal for activating whichever yeast you use.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips after mixing in the banana and flour for added texture and flavor—just keep the amount moderate to not overpower the cinnamon swirl.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect as they are sweeter and mash more easily, contributing maximum moisture and flavor to the bread.
Is this bread suitable for freezing and thawing?
Definitely. This Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully, making it a wonderful make-ahead treat that tastes freshly baked after thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe has quickly become a cherished gem in my baking repertoire. Its perfect blend of sweet banana, warm cinnamon, and tender crumb never fails to bring smiles. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether for a special breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, and watch how effortlessly it wins over hearts around your table.
Print
Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, featuring a tender whole wheat and bread flour dough swirled with cinnamon sugar. The bread is enriched with mashed ripe bananas, honey, and a buttery cinnamon swirl, creating a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
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 (divided)
- 2 tablespoons (42g) honey
- ½ cup (114g) mashed ripe banana
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons (3g) ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg (50g)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 1¼ cups (159g) bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Add warm water, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and honey to the dry ingredients; beat at low speed until the dough comes together. Cover and let the dough rest for 15 minutes to allow flour to hydrate.
- Incorporate Banana and Remaining Flour: Add the remaining ½ cup (64g) bread flour and mashed banana to the dough. Beat with the dough hook attachment until the dough is smooth. Shape the dough into a ball for the first rise.
- First Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 30-45 minutes. This fermentation develops flavor and texture.
- Roll and Fill Dough: Roll the risen dough into a rectangle. Brush the surface with the remaining melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl.
- Shape Loaf: Roll the dough tightly into a log to create the swirl effect, then place it seam-side down into a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Let the dough rise in the loaf pan until doubled in size, about 15-20 minutes, ensuring a light and airy final texture.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the top of the loaf to promote browning and shine. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack. Let cool completely before slicing to allow crumb to set.
Notes
- Warm water should be between 120°F and 130°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Ensure bananas are ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- The egg wash gives the bread a beautiful glossy crust.
- Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing prevents a gummy texture.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar swirl.
