Print

Cozy Classic Banana Bread Recipe with Walnuts and Cinnamon Swirl

banana bread recipe - featured image

A moist and tender banana bread with a warm cinnamon swirl and crunchy toasted walnuts, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts, toasted
  • Cinnamon sugar swirl: 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Toast walnuts on a baking sheet in the oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, stirring halfway. Remove and let cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or whisk. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the toasted walnuts, reserving a few for topping if desired.
  7. Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl for the cinnamon sugar swirl.
  8. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter.
  9. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use overripe bananas for best sweetness and flavor. Toast walnuts to enhance their nutty aroma. Fold ingredients gently to avoid tough bread. Tent with foil if browning too fast. Let bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, walnuts, cinnamon swirl, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, classic banana bread, breakfast bread, snack