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Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread with Vanilla Icing Recipe

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3.8 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf (approx. 10-12 slices)

Description

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful twist on the classic banana bread, featuring a thick cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout and topped with a luscious vanilla icing drizzle. Perfect as a dessert or sweet snack, this loaf combines the comforting taste of ripe bananas with warm cinnamon spice and a creamy vanilla finish.

Ingredients

Banana Bread

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar (or use packed brown sugar)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 and 1/2 cups (345g) mashed bananas (about 4 medium or 3 large ripe bananas)
  • 1/3 cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Vanilla Icing

  • 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) heavy cream or milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a metal 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and set aside to ensure the bread doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside, as it will be combined with the wet ingredients later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. This process aerates the mixture for a lighter texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then beat in the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This creates a rich and moist batter base.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients with the mixer on low speed. Beat until no flour pockets remain, but be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense bread. You should have about 3 and 1/2 cups of batter.
  6. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: Mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the cinnamon-sugar blend for the swirl.
  7. Layer Batter and Swirl: Spoon half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Gently pour and spread the remaining batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the batter down the center of the pan, creating a marbled effect without overmixing.
  8. Bake the Bread: Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, loosely covering the bread with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few small moist crumbs. Check starting at 55 minutes, then every 5 minutes until done.
  9. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour. Then, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack to finish setting the texture.
  10. Prepare and Drizzle Icing: Whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread just before slicing. This adds a sweet, creamy finish that complements the cinnamon swirl.
  11. Storage: Cover and store the banana bread at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Note that the icing may seep into the top over time, making the slice tops slightly moist.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing and better texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
  • Adjust baking time depending on your oven; start checking from 55 minutes onward.
  • Using heavy cream in the icing creates a thicker and richer drizzle, but milk is a lighter alternative.
  • The cinnamon swirl adds a delightful flavor contrast and visual appeal to the bread.
  • This bread is best enjoyed within a few days for optimal moisture and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://myeasyplate.com/cinnamon-swirl-banana-bread-with-vanilla-icing-recipe/