This Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread is a fluffy, yeasted loaf that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl. The addition of whole wheat flour creates a hearty texture, making this banana bread a deliciously unique twist on the classic. With a golden, tender crust and a rich, cinnamon-filled center, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread is more than just a treat—it’s an experience. The soft, fluffy texture of the dough paired with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and sugar gives each bite a satisfying sweetness. The whole wheat flour provides a hearty, rustic touch, while the banana flavor shines through in every slice. With the added yeast, the bread has a beautiful rise and a slightly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth quality. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and banana bread, this recipe is a match made in heaven!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) Dough:

2 cups (255g) bread flour, divided
1⅔ cups (207g) stone-ground whole wheat flour
1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2¼ teaspoons Platinum Yeast
1½ teaspoons (4.5g) kosher salt
¾ cup (180g) warm water (120°F/49°C to 130°F/54°C)
2 tablespoons (28g) plus 2 teaspoons (10g) unsalted butter, melted and divided
2 tablespoons (42g) honey
½ cup (114g) mashed ripe banana

Filling:

¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons (3g) ground cinnamon

Egg Wash:

1 large egg (50g)
1 tablespoon (15g) water

Directions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 1¼ cups (159g) bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and honey; beat at low speed until the dough comes together. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.
Add ½ cup (64g) bread flour and mashed banana to the dough. Beat with the dough hook attachment until smooth. Shape into a ball.
Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
Roll dough into a rectangle, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, roll up, and place in a loaf pan.
Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 15-20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Brush the dough with egg wash and bake for 45-50 minutes.
Let cool before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

Nutty addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Spiced up swirl: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon-sugar filling for a more complex flavor profile.
Banana flavor boost: Incorporate an extra mashed banana into the dough for a stronger banana flavor.
Dairy-free option: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This cinnamon-swirl bread freezes well. Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven if desired.
Reheating: To reheat, wrap slices in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when my banana bread is done?

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready.

Can I make this recipe without yeast?

Yeast is used to help the bread rise and give it a soft texture. If you don’t want to use yeast, you could try a quick bread version, but the texture will differ.

Can I make this banana bread without whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can use all bread flour or substitute a gluten-free flour blend, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon or spatula, though a stand mixer makes it easier to knead the dough and incorporate all the ingredients evenly.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for the swirl?

Yes, brown sugar will give the swirl a deeper, molasses-like flavor. It’s a great substitute if you prefer a richer taste.

Can I make this banana bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next day, you can continue with the recipe and bake it fresh.

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough should have doubled in size. To check, gently press two fingers into the dough. If the indentation remains, the dough is ready for the next step.

Can I freeze slices of this bread?

Yes, you can freeze individual slices for easy future servings. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Why is my banana bread too dense?

If your banana bread is dense, it may have been overworked or overproofed. Ensure you follow the rising times and handle the dough gently when shaping it.

Can I add chocolate chips to the swirl?

Yes, adding chocolate chips to the swirl would be a delicious twist on this recipe. Just fold them into the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling it up.

Conclusion

Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread offers a delightful mix of comforting flavors and textures, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl. The whole wheat flour adds a hearty base to this fluffy, yeasted loaf. It’s the perfect balance of soft, sweet bread with a hint of spice, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a delicious snack later, this recipe is bound to impress!

Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread

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Author: sara
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including rising time)
Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cinnamon-Swirled Banana Bread is a soft and fluffy yeasted loaf that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a warm, fragrant cinnamon-sugar swirl. Made with whole wheat flour for a hearty texture, this banana bread is a delightful twist on the classic, offering both a delicious breakfast and snack option. With a tender crumb and cinnamon filling, this recipe brings a comforting, flavorful twist to your banana bread collection.

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 1¼ cups (159g) bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and honey; beat at low speed until the dough comes together. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.
Add ½ cup (64g) bread flour and mashed banana to the dough. Beat with the dough hook attachment until smooth. Shape into a ball.
Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
Roll dough into a rectangle, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, roll up, and place in a loaf pan.
Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 15-20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Brush the dough with egg wash and bake for 45-50 minutes.
Let cool before slicing.

Notes

Make sure to use warm water between 120°F and 130°F for proper yeast activation.
For an extra golden finish, you can brush the top of the loaf with a bit of butter after baking.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American