The kitchen starts to sing when you mix ripe bananas with warm cinnamon. Just imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your home as this delightful treat bakes in the oven. Cinnamon banana bread is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that makes your taste buds dance like no one’s watching.
Every loaf of cinnamon banana bread I bake transports me back to my childhood kitchen. It was my mom’s go-to recipe when we had overripe bananas sitting on the countertop, and I remember the joyful anticipation as it baked. This dish is perfect for breakfast or afternoon snacks and evokes memories of family gatherings that always ended with laughter—and crumbs everywhere.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful cinnamon banana bread recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for any skill level
- The warm spices complement the sweetness of ripe bananas beautifully
- Its golden crust and soft interior make it visually stunning and irresistible
- Versatile enough to enjoy plain or jazzed up with nuts and chocolate chips!
I recall the first time I made this recipe for my friends—they devoured it in minutes and requested seconds while I stood there chuckling at their delight.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Use 3-4 medium bananas; they should be brown spotted for maximum sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of this recipe; sift it for a lighter texture.
- Granulated Sugar: You can adjust the sweetness according to taste; brown sugar adds a lovely depth.
- Baking Soda: This will help your loaf rise beautifully; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Cinnamon Powder: The star spice here; use high-quality ground cinnamon for that aromatic punch.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip it!
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Either works well, but butter adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Eggs: Two large eggs will bind everything together nicely; room temperature is best.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile to new heights.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash those ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. You want them creamy yet slightly chunky for texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the melted butter or oil until well combined. Then add eggs and vanilla extract—stir until everything is blended into deliciousness.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your batter.
Mix It All Together!: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough bread!
Pour and Bake!: Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Once baked, let your cinnamon banana bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
This delightful treat not only fills up your kitchen with tantalizing aromas but also creates moments worth savoring over coffee or tea! Enjoy every crumb—it’s pure bliss!
You Must Know
- This delightful cinnamon banana bread is a perfect way to use overripe bananas
- The warm aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist a slice
- Pair it with coffee for a cozy treat that brightens any dull day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mashing your ripe bananas first, then cream the butter and sugar before adding eggs. Mix in dry ingredients gradually to avoid clumps and ensure even distribution of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra crunch or sweetness. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist on flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cinnamon banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it; reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds when ready to enjoy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best texture, use very ripe bananas—they should be almost black!
- Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps your bread light and fluffy
- Let it cool completely before slicing to avoid mushy pieces
The first time I made cinnamon banana bread, I brought it to a friend’s housewarming party. Everyone devoured it! That night, I learned that sharing food is one of the best ways to connect.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for cinnamon banana bread?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work great and add extra moisture to the bread.
How do I know when my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend for delicious results.
Delightful Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cinnamon banana bread is a delightful, aromatic treat that combines ripe bananas with warm cinnamon flavors. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth but slightly chunky.
- Mix in the vegetable oil or melted butter, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cooling in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For added texture, consider mixing in nuts or chocolate chips.
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg