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EASY Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Soft, moist Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread made with ripe bananas and a sweet cinnamon sugar ribbon. Finished with vanilla icing for an easy homemade loaf perfect for breakfast or dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

Banana Bread

  • 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup 135g granulated sugar (or packed brown sugar)
  • 4 tablespoons 56g unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups 345g mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium)
  • 1/3 cup 80g plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Vanilla Icing

  • 1/2 cup 60g confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the oven rack in the lower third. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Mix in the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread soft and tender.
  • Stir together the cinnamon and sugar for the swirl.
  • Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  • Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the batter.
  • Top with the remaining batter and gently spread it.
  • Use a butter knife to swirl through the center a few times without overmixing.
  • Bake for 55–65 minutes, covering loosely with foil halfway through if the top browns too quickly.
  • The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool in the pan for 1 hour before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Whisk together the icing ingredients and drizzle over the completely cooled loaf before slicing.

Notes

  • Sour cream works just as well as Greek yogurt.
  • Freeze individual slices for quick breakfasts.
  • Serve warm with butter or cream cheese.
  • Delicious alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.