There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Banana Bread filling your home. This moist and tender bread is the perfect balance of sweet bananas and a spicy cinnamon kick—a true treat for any occasion.
The first time I made this recipe, I was trying to rescue some overly ripe bananas from going to waste. Little did I know it would become a household favorite, requested by family and friends alike. 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 baking recipe. This Cinnamon Banana Bread isn’t just delicious—it’s an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a warm slice of homemade goodness.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and one bowl, you can have this bread in the oven in no time. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
Second, it’s versatile. Enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or even a simple dessert. Spread it with butter, cream cheese, or enjoy it plain—the choice is yours.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Bananas that are a bit too soft for eating are just the thing to make this bread extra flavorful and moist.
Lastly, the addition of cinnamon gives this banana bread an extra layer of warmth and flavor that takes it over the top. It’s comforting, cozy, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients, which work together to create the perfect loaf of bread. Let’s take a closer look at the key components:
Bananas: Overripe bananas are the star of the show here. Their natural sweetness and soft texture ensure the bread is moist and flavorful. The darker the bananas, the better.
Cinnamon: This is what gives the bread its signature warmth and spice. Use a good-quality cinnamon for the best flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of this bread. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, though the texture will be slightly denser.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and a subtle buttery flavor. You can use unsalted butter or adjust the salt in the recipe if using salted butter.
Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar creates a perfectly balanced sweetness. The brown sugar also adds a hint of molasses, enhancing the bread’s depth of flavor.
Eggs: These help bind everything together and provide structure. Be sure to use room-temperature eggs for easier mixing.
You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe—a mixing bowl, whisk, and loaf pan will do the trick.
How to Make This Cinnamon Banana Bread
Making this Cinnamon Banana Bread is straightforward and satisfying. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread will bake evenly and release from the pan without sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, mash your overripe bananas until smooth. You can leave a few small lumps for texture if you like. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then whisk until well combined.
Next, sift in your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see any streaks of flour.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter before baking. It creates a slightly crunchy, caramelized topping that’s irresistible.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Options
This bread is a great make-ahead treat and stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
At room temperature, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, place the bread in a resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice it before freezing for easy, grab-and-go portions. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature or microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds.
If reheating the entire loaf, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some fun ways to customize your bread:
- Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. Walnuts and pecans pair especially well with bananas and cinnamon.
- Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice or add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a fall-inspired twist.
- Use honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for a natural sweetener option.
- For a healthier version, substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour and use Greek yogurt in place of butter.
- Stir in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for an unexpected pop of sweetness.
No matter how you make it, this Cinnamon Banana Bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. So grab those overripe bananas and get baking!
PrintCinnamon Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Banana Bread recipe combines ripe bananas and warm cinnamon for a moist, flavorful loaf. A perfect, easy-to-make treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
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