There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon banana bread wafting through your kitchen. This recipe takes a beloved classic and elevates it with a warm cinnamon twist that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
I first created this recipe as a way to use up overripe bananas, and it quickly became a family favorite. Whether you're enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon treat, this moist, flavorful banana bread never fails to impress. Let's dive in and discover why this cinnamon banana bread is destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread
Get ready to fall head over heels for this delightful take on banana bread. It's everything you love about the classic recipe but with a rich, aromatic cinnamon infusion.
First, it's incredibly simple to make. You only need a few pantry staples, one bowl, and about 10 minutes to mix everything together. Perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a no-fuss treat.
The texture is perfection: moist, tender, and slightly dense, with a golden crust that’s just the right amount of crispy. Thanks to the combination of ripe bananas and a touch of cinnamon, each bite is bursting with flavor.
This recipe is also super versatile. Whether you're looking to add nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of cream cheese, there are endless ways to make this banana bread your own.
Finally, it stores beautifully. Make it ahead for busy mornings or slice it up and freeze individual pieces for a grab-and-go breakfast.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one serves a purpose in creating a loaf that's flavorful, moist, and perfectly balanced.
Bananas are the star of the show. The riper they are, the better – look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for optimal sweetness and flavor.
Cinnamon is what sets this recipe apart. A generous teaspoon or two adds warmth and depth, creating a cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
Flour forms the base of the bread. All-purpose flour works perfectly, but you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added nutrition.
Butter provides richness and keeps the bread moist. If you prefer, you can swap it out for vegetable oil or melted coconut oil without compromising the texture.
Sugar sweetens the loaf just enough. You can use granulated sugar, brown sugar, or a mix of both for a hint of caramel-like depth.
You’ll also need eggs for structure, baking soda for leavening, and a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors. Optional add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips can be folded in for extra texture and flavor.
No special equipment is needed – just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a loaf pan.
How To Make This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Making this cinnamon banana bread is as easy as it gets. You'll have a warm, fragrant loaf ready to enjoy in just a few simple steps.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can leave a few small lumps for added texture if you like. Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
If you're adding nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins, gently fold them in at this stage. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
The result? A perfectly moist and tender loaf with an irresistible cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen.
Storage Options
Cinnamon banana bread is not only delicious but also keeps well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or gifting.
Store the bread at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Variations and Substitutions
This cinnamon banana bread recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for experimenting with flavors and textures.
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the moist bread.
- Stir in a cup of chocolate chips or chunks for an indulgent twist that’s perfect for dessert.
- Swirl in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or peanut butter for added richness and flavor complexity.
- Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant friends and family.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or applesauce in place of some of the butter.
However you decide to customize this recipe, you’ll end up with a delicious loaf that's uniquely yours. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new combinations – the possibilities are endless.
Warm, sweet, and utterly satisfying, this cinnamon banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your home.
PrintCinnamon Banana Bread Recipe
Delight your taste buds with this easy cinnamon banana bread recipe. Made with ripe bananas, cinnamon, and simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Stir in baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually fold in the flour until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick 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
- For added texture, toss in a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use overripe bananas for a naturally sweeter flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
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