There's something magical about the smell of warm Cinnamon Banana Bread baking in the oven. The combination of sweet bananas, cozy cinnamon, and a soft, moist crumb feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. This recipe is a family favorite, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

I first made this recipe as a way to rescue a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on my counter. Little did I know it would become a staple in our household, beloved by kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the details of why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe.
Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread
Prepare to meet your new go-to banana bread recipe. From its ease of preparation to its unbeatable flavor, this Cinnamon Banana Bread will have you coming back for more.
First and foremost, this bread is incredibly easy to make. No need for fancy equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and a loaf pan. Plus, it comes together in under 15 minutes before popping into the oven.
The flavor is simply irresistible. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a cozy loaf that tastes like comfort in every bite.
It’s also a versatile recipe. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or toasted for breakfast, this bread adapts to every occasion. Want to get creative? Add chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a cinnamon-sugar swirl.
Lastly, this recipe is a great way to reduce food waste. Those spotty, overripe bananas sitting on your counter? They’re the secret to this bread’s moist texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cinnamon Banana Bread lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a loaf that’s tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal, as they’re sweeter and easier to mash.
- Cinnamon: This spice is the star of the show, adding warmth and depth to every slice. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the bread. For a slightly nuttier flavor, you can substitute half the flour with whole wheat.
- Sugar: I use a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar for the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
- Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb. You can substitute with coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and creating a fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor and complements the bananas and cinnamon beautifully.
Optional add-ins include chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a streusel topping for extra texture and flavor. You’ll also need a standard loaf pan and parchment paper for easy removal.
How To Make This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Creating this Cinnamon Banana Bread is a straightforward process, perfect for beginner and experienced bakers alike. Let’s break it down step by step:
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Mash 3-4 overripe bananas in a bowl until smooth.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, ½ cup of melted butter, 1 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
4. Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. At this stage, you can gently stir in any optional add-ins, like ½ cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
5. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Storage Options
Cinnamon Banana Bread is perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and snacks. Here’s how to store it to keep it fresh:
- At room temperature: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the refrigerator: To extend its shelf life, refrigerate the bread for up to 7 days. Make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent drying out.
- In the freezer: Slice the bread and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Store the slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds or toast it for a slightly crisp edge.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to customize to your taste or dietary preferences:
- Chocolate Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and stir in chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a satisfying crunch.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: Layer half the batter in the pan, sprinkle with a mix of cinnamon and sugar, then top with the remaining batter. Swirl with a knife before baking.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan Banana Bread: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of eggs and substitute coconut oil for butter.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. No matter how you customize it, the result will be delicious!
There you have it—Cinnamon Banana Bread that’s simple to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
PrintCinnamon Banana Bread Recipe
Enjoy this flavorful cinnamon banana bread recipe, featuring ripe bananas and warm cinnamon for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for any time of day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Mix in mashed bananas. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use extra ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
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