Description
A delicious banana bread recipe with a sweet cinnamon swirl throughout.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- For the Cinnamon Swirl: 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Add mashed bananas and sour cream to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- For the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until it forms a paste.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture by spoonfuls over the batter. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the swirl, then top with the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture. Swirl again gently with a knife.
- Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; this can result in a tough bread.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.