This cinnamon banana bread is warm, cozy and perfectly spiced! The layer of cinnamon swirl adds the best flavor. It tastes like a mix between banana bread and cinnamon rolls. This quick and easy bread is great for breakfast, a snack, or healthy dessert!

Cinnamon banana bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This cinnamon banana bread is quick and easy.
  • Only one mixing bowl needed.
  • Great way to use up ripe bananas. So is this Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread!
  • The cinnamon swirl is sweet and flavorful.
  • This bread is great any time of the day.
  • Banana bread is popular all year long. So are these Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls!
  • This recipe can be made gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and refined sugar free.
  • It is not overly sweet.
  • Check out this Cream Cheese Banana Bread or this Chocolate Banana Bread for another delicious recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for cinnamon banana bread. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.

Brown sugar and cinnamon make up the cinnamon swirl. Feel free to substitute white sugar or coconut sugar.

For the bread, use a neutral flavored oil. Avocado oil and melted coconut oil are great options. Vegetable oil works too.

Pure maple syrup adds sweetness. Feel free to use honey instead.

Use ripe bananas for best results. They are more naturally sweet and easily mashed up.

Use any type of milk. For dairy free, use dairy free milk. For nut free, use cow’s milk, oat milk or coconut milk.

Eggs help bind this bread together. I do not suggest replacing the eggs in this specific recipe. For egg free, check out this Eggless Banana Bread or this Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

Vanilla extract adds warmth.

Both regular all purpose flour and gluten free 1 to 1 flour work well. Do not use an alternative flour in this recipe. For Paleo or grain free, try this Paleo Banana Bread or this Almond Flour Banana Bread.

A little baking soda helps this bread rise slightly.

Scroll down for flavor variations and add ins.

For a healthy version, try this Healthy Banana Bread!

Ingredients for cinnamon banana bread.

Taste & Texture

This cinnamon banana bread is just sweet enough. It tastes like cinnamon rolls and banana bread. The cinnamon swirl is sweet and becomes caramelized.

This bread is so soft and moist. It is not dry.

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Make cinnamon swirl. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.

Coconut sugar in bowl.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, add oil, maple syrup, mashed bananas, milk, eggs and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Then, add in flour and baking soda. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Add half of the banana bread batter to the lined bread pan.

Batter in loaf pan.

Step 6

Then, sprinkle cinnamon swirl mixture on top.

Cinnamon layer in loaf pan.

Step 7

Add the remaining bread batter on top.

Batter in rectangular pan.

Step 8

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Baked cinnamon bread.

Step 9

Finally, remove cinnamon banana bread from oven. Allow bread to fully cool.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Carefully measure all ingredients.

Use ripe bananas. They are much more naturally sweet. Additionally, they are easily mashed.

If needed, replace avocado oil with melted coconut oil, melted butter or vegetable oil.

Both regular all purpose flour and gluten free 1 to 1 flour work well.

Do not substitute another flour.

Do not bake too long. Insert toothpick into bread. If it comes out with only moist crumbs, remove from oven.

Allow bread to fully cool before slicing into.

Thick slices of swirl bread.

Flavor Variations & Add Ins

Consider these delicious flavor variations.

Add in a pinch of nutmeg.

Use maple sugar in the cinnamon swirl.

Add in chopped walnuts.

Add in chopped pecans.

Sprinkle some chocolate chips into the batter. You will also love this Gluten Free Banana Bread!

Add in some cinnamon chips.

Add in peanut butter chips.

Top with a streusel topping.

How to Serve & Store

Serve cinnamon banana bread once cooled.

This bread pairs well with coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or a smoothie.

Top with a smear of peanut butter, Nutella or jam.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze for up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cinnamon and banana go together?

Yes, cinnamon and banana go well together.

Does banana bread contain cinnamon?

Some banana bread contains cinnamon. Cinnamon adds a great flavor.

Can I add cinnamon to my banana bread?

Yes!

How do you keep banana bread moist?

Do not over bake banana bread. In addition, use ripe bananas. This helps keep the bread moist.

Is it gluten free?

Use gluten free flour to keep this bread gluten free.

Plates with quick bread.

You May Also Like

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on InstagramFacebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along!  For more ideas, check out these Breakfast Recipes.

Cinnamon banana bread.

Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Banana Bread

This cinnamon banana bread is warm, cozy and moist! It has the best flavors and texture. The bread is moist and the cinnamon swirl is so tasty. This quick and easy bread is great for both breakfast and dessert!
5 from 4 votes

Ingredients

Cinnamon Swirl

Banana Bread

Instructions 

  • First, preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Make cinnamon swirl. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add oil, maple syrup, mashed bananas, milk, eggs and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
  • Then, add in flour and baking soda. Stir to combine.
  • Add half of the banana bread batter to the lined bread pan.
  • Then, sprinkle cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
  • Add the remaining bread batter on top.
  • Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Finally, remove from oven. Allow bread to fully cool before slicing into.

Notes

  • For refined sugar free, use coconut sugar.  The bread in these photos was made with coconut sugar.
  • Feel free to replace oil with melted coconut oil, melted butter or vegetable oil.
  • Both all purpose flour and gluten free 1 to 1 flour work well.
  • Any type of milk works.  For dairy free, use dairy free milk.
  • Do not over bake.  Bake until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Allow bread to cool before slicing into.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
  • Freeze for up to 1 month.
Calories: 324kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.004g, Cholesterol: 42mg, Sodium: 161mg, Potassium: 235mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 97IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 58mg, Iron: 2mg

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