cinnamon swirl banana bread

cinnamon swirl banana bread is the upgrade you NEED

cinnamon swirl banana bread on a wooden stand

Sometimes an old standby needs an upgrade, and this cinnamon swirl banana bread is just that.

Banana bread is a staple in most bakers’ repertoires. Even “non-bakers” typically feel comfortable whipping up a batch. And what better way to use up the inevitable overripe bananas?

But I think we can all agree that – on its own – banana bread is a bit….meh. It needs a little something, am I right? And that something is usually chocolate chips. Thing is, I’m not such a fan of chocolate.

But I’m totally a fan of cinnamon-sugar.

cinnamon swirl banana bread batter in a loaf pan

The sweet crackly crunch of cinnamon-sugar is the perfect foil to the subdued flavor and texture of basic banana bread.

And while we’re at it, why don’t we tweak that butter too (remember that time I made my own? Crazy!)?

Have you ever tried flavored butter? Also known as compound butter, it’s super easy to make. Simply mix softened butter with seasonings – sweet or savory – and chill. This strawberry version is one of my favorites and is delicious spread on some warm, fresh banana bread.

cinnamon swirl banana bread with strawberry butter

 

Both of these make great holiday or hostess gifts – and are great to have on hand to serve to guests. When giving the bread as a gift I use my mini-loaf pans. The size is perfect for tying up with a pretty ribbon, and you can get three loaves from a single recipe (read more here!).

Flavored butter makes such a great, unexpected gift – and you can make a batch or two right now to store in the freezer. Once the butter is chilled, place it on a piece of wax paper and roll it into a log. Put it in the freezer till solid. I usually cut it in half for giving, and wrap it in a piece of parchment. Some baker’s twine ties up the ends.

banana bread and strawberry butter

Bread and butter. But better.

Cinnamon-Swirl Banana Bread and Strawberry Butter

2 sticks (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter at room temperature, divided
1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 ripe bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (have you made your own?)
1 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup strawberry jam
1/2 teaspoon confectioner’s sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Make the banana bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Beat one stick of the butter with one cup of the sugar till light and fluffy. Place the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar in a small bowl, add the cinnamon and stir to combine.

Scrape down the sides of the mixer and add the eggs, bananas and vanilla and beat again. Add the flour, baking soda and salt and beat once more.

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, smooth with a small angled spatula and top with half the cinnamon-sugar. Repeat. Use a thin knife to swirl and rap the pan on the counter to level. Bake for 55 minutes or till a tester tests clean. Cool bread in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove from pan to cool completely.

Make the strawberry butter: Beat the remaining stick of butter with the jam, confectioner’s sugar and lemon juice till well-combined. Transfer to a small dish to chill. Keeps several days in the fridge and even longer in the freezer.

(print this recipe)


This delicious recipe brought to you by Sheri Silver
https://sherisilver.com/2013/10/29/cinnamon-swirl-banana-bread/

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12 Comments

  1. debbie koenig on October 29, 2013 at 8:41 am

    YUM. I’ve been looking for a new banana bread recipe to try–this sounds perfect & I’d like to make it today. But I’m confused by the instructions:

    “Turn the mixer to medium-low speed and gradually add the sugar, followed by the vegetable oil. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla; beat to combine.”

    Does this mean I should turn on the mixer & add dry sugar while it’s running, with nothing else in the bowl? Won’t it go flying everywhere as it hits the beaters? I tried following the link to Brown-Eyed Baker but it goes to her home page, not the recipe. So confused! I’m sure I’m making this more difficult than it is…

    • sherisilver on October 29, 2013 at 8:47 am

      Just revised the instructions to make it more clear – sorry for the confusion!

      • debbie koenig on October 29, 2013 at 8:54 am

        Of course! Didn’t notice the eggs were missing. Thanks so much! Going to try to make this today.

        • sherisilver on October 29, 2013 at 9:01 am

          🙂

  2. Shalagh Hogan on October 29, 2013 at 8:44 am

    I love the flavored butter! And the cinnamon and sugar crustiness concept. I use thawed out frozen bananas. My recipe upgrade was buttermilk and Sheri, it is the bomb. Now I make all my quick breads with buttermilk. And now I’m in the mood for buttermilk banana bread with strawberry butter.
    Love,
    Shalagh

    • sherisilver on October 29, 2013 at 8:47 am

      Thanks Shalagh – would you share your buttermilk recipe? I have some that “needs” to be used right away! xo

  3. annie on October 29, 2013 at 3:48 pm

    Looks amazing….that strawberry butter makes me think I’m at Neiman Marcus. Love it!

    • sherisilver on October 29, 2013 at 5:50 pm

      So retro, right? It’s from the Silver Palate book, natch. I can only imagine it with that French butter that you snagged (that I didn’t!) xo

  4. Christa on October 30, 2013 at 8:20 am

    Ever since I introduced P. to cinnamon toast we’ve been eating tons of buttered toast plus sugar and cinnamon. Maybe she’ll like the strawberry butter, though 🙂

    • sherisilver on October 30, 2013 at 5:31 pm

      It’s delicious Christa! xo

  5. Marti on November 18, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    Sounds delish!! Love butter love Banana Bread, can’t wait to try. What a great idea for gift giving – Thanks Sheri.
    Marti

    • sherisilver on November 18, 2013 at 5:38 pm

      Make sure you keep some for yourself!

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!