Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

There’s nothing like the comforting aroma of Cinnamon Banana Bread filling your kitchen. The sweet, nutty scent of ripe bananas mingling with warm cinnamon is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This quick and easy recipe is a family favorite, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

I discovered this gem while trying to salvage overripe bananas one weekend. What started as an experiment has become a go-to recipe for cozy mornings and casual gatherings. Ready to make your house smell like a bakery? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that checks all the boxes for simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Here’s why this Cinnamon Banana Bread is a must-try:

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip this up in under 15 minutes of prep time. No need for fancy equipment or advanced baking skills.

The flavor is absolutely irresistible. The combination of sweet bananas and warm cinnamon creates a perfectly balanced loaf that’s moist, tender, and loaded with flavor in every bite.

It’s also family-friendly. Whether served fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or toasted for a quick breakfast, this bread is a hit with kids and adults alike.

Best of all, it’s a great way to use up ripe bananas. Instead of tossing those spotted bananas, turn them into a loaf of deliciousness that everyone will devour.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cinnamon Banana Bread lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one contributes to the loaf’s incredible taste and texture. Here’s what you need to know:

• Bananas: Overripe bananas are the star of the show. Their natural sweetness and soft texture are essential for a moist, flavorful bread. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
• Cinnamon: This warm spice gives the bread its signature flavor. For the best results, use high-quality ground cinnamon to ensure a rich, aromatic taste.
• Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works beautifully here. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture. You can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil if you prefer.
• Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas and cinnamon.

You’ll also need eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These staples bring structure, lift, and a hint of complexity to the loaf. A 9x5-inch loaf pan and some parchment paper are all the special equipment you’ll need.

How to Make This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Making this Cinnamon Banana Bread is as simple as it gets. Follow these easy steps for a foolproof loaf every time:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash 3-4 overripe bananas with a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are fine – they’ll add texture to the bread.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
5. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and sugar on top for a lightly caramelized crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

The result? A beautifully golden loaf with a tender crumb and a flavor that’s out of this world.

Storage Options

This Cinnamon Banana Bread stores wonderfully, making it a great make-ahead option. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Room Temperature: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For a longer shelf life, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave.

When reheating, a quick toast in the oven or microwave revives the bread’s fresh-baked texture and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Cinnamon Banana Bread is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add Nuts: Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent treat.
• Healthy Twist: Swap half the butter with Greek yogurt and use whole wheat flour for a lighter, more nutritious loaf.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spiced variation that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect loaf. The possibilities are endless!

Warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying, this Cinnamon Banana Bread is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or topped with cream cheese, one thing is certain: there won’t be a crumb left on the plate!

Print