Cinnamon banana bread is a cozy treat that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With the sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon, it’s the perfect snack or breakfast. Whether you’re a banana bread lover or trying it for the first time, this moist, homemade recipe is sure to please.
Why We Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread
Cinnamon banana bread is the ultimate comfort food—warm, fragrant, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Moist & Tender Texture: Thanks to the ripe bananas, every bite is soft and moist, making it the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or tea.
- Balanced Sweetness: The natural sweetness of bananas combined with the rich, warm cinnamon flavor creates a mouthwatering combination. It’s not too sweet but just enough to satisfy your cravings.
- Simple to Make: This cinnamon banana bread recipe is incredibly easy to whip up. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just a few basic pantry staples, and you’re good to go.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking it for yourself, sharing it with friends, or gifting it to loved ones, this recipe never disappoints. It’s perfect for meal prep or special gatherings, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Healthy-ish Indulgence: Made with simple ingredients, this banana bread can even be customized to fit your dietary preferences. Want to add nuts or swap in whole wheat flour? No problem. It’s adaptable without losing its delicious flavor.
Ingredients for cinnamon banana bread
For this cinnamon banana bread, you don’t need anything fancy—just a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Ripe bananas – The riper, the better! They make the bread sweet and moist.
All-purpose flour – Gives the bread structure and a soft crumb.
Ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, spiced flavor.
Baking soda – Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
Butter (unsalted) – Adds moisture and flavor.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and keeps it moist.
Eggs – Bind everything together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
Instructions
Making this cinnamon banana bread is as simple as it is delicious. Let’s walk through the steps to create a perfect loaf every time.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth, with a few lumps.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Stir until combined.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips
Making the perfect cinnamon banana bread is all about a few simple tweaks and tips. Here are some expert suggestions to help you achieve the best results every time:
Use overripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more moist your bread will be. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots—they’re packed with natural sweetness and flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense and dry, so stop mixing once the flour is incorporated.
Add a pinch of salt. Even if you’re using sweet bananas and sugar, a little bit of salt helps balance the flavors and enhances the cinnamon. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Test with a toothpick. To avoid under or overbaking, always use a toothpick to check the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done. If there’s batter on it, give it a few more minutes.
Let it cool completely. As tempting as it may be, don’t rush slicing the banana bread while it’s still hot. Let it cool on a wire rack to ensure a perfect slice without it falling apart.
Add nuts or chocolate chips. Want to make it even more indulgent? Stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips. They add texture and extra flavor that complements the cinnamon and bananas perfectly.
Wrap and store properly. To keep your banana bread fresh for days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you plan to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Variations
This cinnamon banana bread recipe is super versatile, and you can easily make it your own by adding a few fun twists. Here are some variations you can try to customize the flavor and texture:
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist. The melty chocolate pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and banana flavors.
Nutty Banana Bread: For added crunch and texture, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Nuts bring a savory contrast to the sweet bread, making every bite more satisfying.
Coconut Banana Bread: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a delightful chewiness to the bread.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon banana bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a few simple serving ideas. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy your freshly baked loaf:
Warm with Butter: For a classic treat, slice the banana bread and spread a generous amount of butter on top. The warmth of the bread makes the butter melt perfectly, creating a comforting and indulgent snack.
With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a little extra luxury by topping a slice of banana bread with freshly whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect dessert to serve at a gathering or enjoy after a meal.
Drizzle with Honey: If you prefer a touch of sweetness without overloading, drizzle some honey over your banana bread. The subtle sweetness of honey pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and banana flavors.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: Cinnamon banana bread makes a great accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The cozy, spiced flavor enhances the warmth of your drink, making it the perfect snack any time of the day.
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FAQs about cinnamon banana bread
Here are answers to some common questions about making cinnamon banana bread. These tips will help you achieve the best results and ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly every time.
How ripe should the bananas be for banana bread?
The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are key to making banana bread moist and flavorful. Look for bananas with brown spots or even ones that are nearly all brown. These bananas are softer and sweeter and provide the best texture and taste for the bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make gluten-free cinnamon banana bread. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the package instructions for any adjustments needed (like adding xanthan gum), and your bread will turn out just as delicious!
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in banana bread. Just thaw them before using and drain any excess liquid. Frozen bananas are often even sweeter than fresh ones, making them perfect for a flavorful loaf.
Can I add other fruits or ingredients?
Yes! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add in other fruits like blueberries or chopped apples. You can also add ingredients like oats, chocolate chips, or even spices like nutmeg or cloves for a unique twist.
cinnamon banana bread
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ½ cup sugar white or brown
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt optional, but recommended for balancing sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Mash the bananas. In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas until smooth, with just a few lumps. The riper, the better—it’ll make your bread extra moist!
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of the cinnamon and baking soda in the final batter.
- Combine the wet ingredients. In the banana bowl, add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are fine!
- Pour into the pan. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Keep an eye on it toward the end to prevent over-baking.
- Cool and enjoy. Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy the warm, cinnamon-infused goodness!