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
Scale
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.
