Tasty Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe is a delicious and aromatic twist on classic banana bread. The warm spice of cinnamon perfectly complements the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a comforting and flavorful treat. This moist and tender bread is easy to make and ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With simple pantry ingredients and a touch of cinnamon, you can elevate a traditional banana bread into something extra special. Keep reading to discover why this recipe is a must-try and how to make it at home!

Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients for Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the bread.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds extra lift for a lighter texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Enhances flavor with warm, spiced notes.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances taste.

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 ½ cups) – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) – Provides richness and tenderness (can substitute with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil).
• ¾ cup brown sugar – Gives a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and adds moisture.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness and creates a slight crisp on the crust.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and helps with structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• ¼ cup milk or buttermilk – Adds extra moisture and tenderness.

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• ½ cup chocolate chips – For a sweet, indulgent touch.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for topping) – Adds a slightly crunchy, sweet crust.

Directions for Making Cinnamon Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• Set aside.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

• In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth. Some small lumps are fine for texture.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• To the mashed bananas, add:
  • ½ cup melted unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk or buttermilk
• Whisk until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon.
• Be careful not to overmix—mix just until no flour streaks remain.

Step 6: Add Optional Mix-Ins (If Using)

• If adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Pan & Add Topping

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sugar on top for an extra sweet crust (optional).

Step 8: Bake the Banana Bread

• Place the pan in the center rack of the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes.
• Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

• Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, honey, or cream cheese.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Banana Bread

1. Use Overripe Bananas 🍌

• The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or completely blackened peels.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter 🥣

• Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough. Stir just until the flour is incorporated for a light, moist texture.

3. Measure Ingredients Accurately ⚖️

• Use the spoon and level method for flour—scoop it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid adding too much.

4. Enhance Flavor with More Cinnamon 🌿

• If you love a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase it to 1 ½ teaspoons or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.

5. Add a Crunchy Topping 🍯

• Sprinkle a mixture of 1 tablespoon sugar + ½ teaspoon cinnamon on top before baking for a caramelized crust.

6. Test for Doneness the Right Way ✅

• Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s ready. If needed, bake for an extra 5 minutes and recheck.

7. Let It Cool Before Slicing ❄️

• Cooling for at least 15 minutes prevents it from crumbling and ensures the best texture.

8. Make It Extra Moist 🧈

• Replace butter with ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.

9. Store It Properly 📦

• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to stay fresh longer.

10. Freeze for Quick Snacks ❄️

• Slice and wrap individual pieces before freezing. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste!

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a warm, comforting, and flavorful treat. The combination of sweet, ripe bananas and fragrant cinnamon creates a deliciously moist and tender bread that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or toasted with a drizzle of honey, this homemade banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, with the option to add nuts, chocolate chips, or a cinnamon-sugar topping, you can customize it to suit your taste. Best of all, it stores well and can even be frozen for a quick grab-and-go treat.

Give this cinnamon-infused banana bread a try today and experience the comforting aroma and rich flavors of homemade goodness. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy!