There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Cinnamon Banana Bread wafting through your home. The warm spices combined with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas create a loaf that’s as delicious as it is nostalgic. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack, this bread is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

I first made this recipe on a chilly afternoon, inspired by some overripe bananas sitting on my counter. With a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of love, this loaf quickly became a household staple. Ready to whip up a slice of coziness? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Get ready to bake a treat that’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this Cinnamon Banana Bread will win you over with its simplicity and flavor.

First off, this recipe is a one-bowl wonder. No complicated steps or fancy equipment are needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s perfect for those moments when you crave something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The flavor is absolutely irresistible. The natural sweetness of bananas pairs beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a loaf that feels like a hug in every bite. Plus, it’s just sweet enough without being overwhelming, making it ideal for any time of day.

What’s more, this bread is a fantastic way to reduce food waste. Those overripe bananas that might otherwise go uneaten become the star ingredient, transforming into a moist and flavorful bread that everyone will love.

Lastly, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Want to add chocolate chips? Go for it. Prefer a nutty crunch? Toss in some walnuts or pecans. It’s easy to adapt to your taste and pantry staples.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Cinnamon Banana Bread lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are naturally sweeter and mash more easily, creating a moist bread with deep banana flavor. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure of the bread. For a slightly nuttier flavor, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour.
Cinnamon: The star spice of the recipe, cinnamon adds warmth and depth to every bite. You can even sprinkle extra on top for a beautifully aromatic crust.
Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar instead of white gives the bread a richer flavor and keeps it moist. If you’re out of brown sugar, white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses works as a substitute.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and enhances the bread’s tender crumb. For a lighter version, you can use coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce.
Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add structure. If you’re making a vegan version, flaxseed or chia egg substitutes work wonderfully.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe. A mixing bowl, whisk, and loaf pan are all you’ll need to create this masterpiece.

How to Make This Cinnamon Banana Bread

Making Cinnamon Banana Bread is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a loaf that’s golden on the outside and irresistibly moist on the inside.

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan. This ensures your bread bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 overripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The mashed bananas should look creamy with a few small lumps for texture.
Mix Wet Ingredients: To the bananas, add ½ cup of melted butter, ¾ cup of brown sugar, and 2 large eggs. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, sift in 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. For extra flair, sprinkle the top with a mix of sugar and cinnamon. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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

This Cinnamon Banana Bread stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or gifting.

Room Temperature: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days on the counter.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to 1 week. Be sure to keep it wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: This bread freezes exceptionally well. Slice it into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick treat.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Chocolate Lovers: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent twist.
Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom to enhance the warm, spicy flavors.
Healthier Version: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use coconut sugar or honey instead of brown sugar.

Experiment freely—this recipe is forgiving and delicious no matter how you tweak it. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, every variation is a winner!

Now that you’ve got the step-by-step guide, it’s time to grab your bananas and preheat that oven. With its irresistible flavor and easy preparation, Cinnamon Banana Bread is about to become your new go-to recipe!