Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

There’s nothing like the scent of cinnamon banana bread wafting through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm hug of sweetness and spice. This moist, tender bread is a delightful way to use up ripe bananas while creating a treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

I first made this recipe on a rainy afternoon when the bananas on my counter were begging to be transformed into something delicious. With just a few pantry staples and a sprinkle of cinnamon magic, it quickly became a family favorite. Let’s dive into why this banana bread deserves a spot in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Prepare to fall in love with a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and effortless charm. This cinnamon banana bread has everything you want in a homemade baked good.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need fancy equipment or special skills—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a loaf pan. In under 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have your batter ready to bake.

The flavor is unforgettable. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, while a generous helping of cinnamon adds a warm, cozy spice that elevates the entire loaf. Add in the optional crunch of walnuts or a sprinkle of brown sugar topping, and it’s perfection.

It’s also a great way to avoid food waste. Those spotty bananas you might otherwise toss? They’re the secret ingredient here, making the bread moist and full of banana goodness.

Finally, this bread is wonderfully versatile. Enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or even toasted with a drizzle of honey. It’s as delightful with your morning coffee as it is for an evening treat.

Ready to get baking? Let’s start with the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of cinnamon banana bread lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Those brown-speckled bananas you have sitting around are packed with sweetness and moisture, making them ideal for this recipe.
• Cinnamon: This star ingredient provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the bananas beautifully. Don’t skimp here—you’ll use it both in the batter and optionally as a topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: A pantry staple that gives the bread structure. If you’d like a slightly nuttier flavor, you can substitute part of it with whole wheat flour.
• Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar ensures a balanced sweetness. The brown sugar adds a hint of molasses-like richness.
• Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and create a tender crumb. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
• Butter or Oil: Melted butter adds richness and flavor, while oil keeps the bread incredibly moist. You can choose either based on your preference.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give the bread a beautiful rise and light texture.
• Optional Add-Ins: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, while chocolate chips bring a touch of indulgence.

No special equipment is needed—just a loaf pan, some mixing bowls, and a wooden spoon!

How to Make Cinnamon Banana Bread

Making this bread is as simple as mash, mix, and bake. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash 3-4 ripe bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are okay—they’ll add texture.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter (or oil), sugar, eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract to the bananas. Whisk until fully combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
5. Add Your Extras: If you’re using walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Optionally, sprinkle a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon on top for a sweet, crackly crust. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

This bread is worth the wait—slice it up and enjoy!

Storage Options

Cinnamon banana bread stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.

• Room Temperature: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bread in the fridge. It will last up to a week, though refrigeration can make it slightly drier.
• Freezing: This bread freezes like a dream. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or microwave slices for a quick treat.

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Nut-Free Option: Skip the walnuts or pecans and add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon for a flavor boost.
• Healthier Twist: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• Double the Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a more robust spiced flavor.
• Chocolate Banana Bread: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the baked loaf.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs and butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.

No matter how you tweak it, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting to a friend, or simply treating yourself, cinnamon banana bread is the ultimate comfort food. Its unbeatable combination of sweetness, spice, and simplicity will have you coming back for another slice. So, grab those bananas and let’s get baking—you won’t regret it!

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