Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread

This Cinnamon Swirled Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, featuring rich swirls of buttery cinnamon sugar throughout the moist loaf. The combination of ripe bananas and a sweet cinnamon ribbon creates a comforting treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. Its irresistible aroma and flavor make it a favorite among banana bread enthusiasts.

Ingredients:
For the 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

• 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 6 thin slices of ripe banana (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.

2. Prepare 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 well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour and baking soda until just combined. Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth.

5. Assemble the Bread: Spread ¼ of the banana bread batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop ¼ of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter and swirl it through using a knife or skewer. Repeat this process two more times with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar mixture.

6. Top and Garnish: Spread the remaining batter over the top and dollop with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture, swirling it through the batter. Place the six thin banana slices down the center of the batter for garnish.

7. Bake: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 60–70 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf with foil and continue baking until done.

8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 25 g

• Sodium: 200 mg

• Cholesterol: 55 mg

• Potassium: 300 mg

• Calcium: 30 mg

• Iron: 1 mg