Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Cinnamon Banana Bread wafting through the house. Warm cinnamon mingles with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a cozy treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

I first made this recipe on a chilly weekend, hoping to use up a few overripe bananas. What started as a kitchen experiment quickly became a household favorite. It’s now my go-to recipe for potlucks and family gatherings, always disappearing faster than I can slice it.

Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Get ready to meet your new favorite baked good. This Cinnamon Banana Bread is everything you want in a homemade treat – simple, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. With just one bowl and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have it prepped and ready for the oven in no time.

The flavor is simply unbeatable. The combination of sweet, ripe bananas and warm cinnamon creates a balance that’s both indulgent and wholesome. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

It’s also versatile. Whether you enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or paired with a dollop of cream cheese, this bread fits every occasion. Plus, it can be easily customized with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.

Finally, it stores beautifully. Bake it on a Sunday, and you’ll have a delicious snack ready to go all week long.

Now that you’re hooked, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this bread shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cinnamon Banana Bread lies in its simplicity. With just a few common ingredients, you can create something truly special.

• Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are naturally sweeter and provide the moist texture this bread is known for. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots – they’re perfect for baking.
• Cinnamon: The star of the show! This warm spice adds depth and a subtle hint of spice that complements the bananas beautifully.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, creating a tender crumb. For a slightly heartier texture, you can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil works as a great substitute.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bananas and cinnamon. For a lighter option, you can use coconut sugar.
• Eggs: These bind everything together and help the bread rise. Room-temperature eggs work best for a smooth batter.

You’ll also need a loaf pan and a mixing bowl – no fancy equipment required!

How To Make This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Making Cinnamon Banana Bread is as straightforward as it is rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a golden loaf ready to enjoy in under an hour.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan. While the oven heats, mash 3-4 ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth. The texture should be slightly chunky but mostly pureed.

Next, add ⅓ cup melted butter to the bananas, mixing well to combine. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup brown sugar. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.

If you’d like to include add-ins like chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold in about ½ cup. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

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 it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

This bread is as convenient to store as it is to bake, making it a great option for meal prep or gifting.

• Room Temperature: Store your bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the bread in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a week.
• Freezer: Cinnamon Banana Bread freezes beautifully. Slice the bread and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw individual slices at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 20 seconds.

To reheat, toast a slice or warm it in the oven for a freshly baked feel.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it a baker’s dream. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Nutty Banana Bread: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Amp up the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon.
• Healthier Banana Bread: Replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup and use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome loaf.

Feel free to experiment – this recipe is forgiving and fun to customize. No matter how you make it, it’s sure to be a hit.

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for the ultimate Cinnamon Banana Bread. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or sharing it with friends, this bread is guaranteed to impress. Happy baking!

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