Ingredients
Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 4 bananas)
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For Garnishing:
- 6 thin slices of ripe banana
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside to use later.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Whisk in the granulated sugar, then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Stir in the all-purpose flour and baking soda until just combined, then fold in the mashed bananas carefully to maintain moisture.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar swirl: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir with a fork until the mixture is thick and well blended. If it’s too thick to swirl, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to thin it slightly, but not too much or it won’t hold its shape in the batter.
- Layer batter and swirl: Spread a quarter of the batter (about 1 cup) evenly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Dollop a quarter of the cinnamon sugar mixture (about 1 tablespoon) over the batter and use a table knife or wooden spoon bottom to swirl it through.
- Repeat layering and swirling: Add one-third of the remaining batter (about 1 cup) over the first layer, then swirl in one-third of the remaining cinnamon sugar. Follow by spreading half of the remaining batter (about 1 cup) and swirling half of the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture through it.
- Top with remaining batter and swirl: Spread the remaining batter evenly over the loaf and dollop with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Make large swirling motions all over the batter to distribute the cinnamon sugar beautifully.
- Add banana slices: Place six thin banana slices down the middle of the batter on top for an attractive garnish.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with foil to prevent burning and continue baking until done.
- Cool the loaf: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using ripe bananas with lots of brown spots will yield the best sweetness and flavor.
- If the cinnamon sugar swirl mixture is too thick to swirl properly, add a bit more melted butter to loosen it.
- To test for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Make sure to cool the loaf before slicing to maintain its structure and prevent crumbling.
- You can substitute dark brown sugar with light brown sugar if unavailable, though flavor may be slightly different.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 70 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian