Warm cinnamon banana bread perfect for fall baking

Festive Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

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There’s a reason why Cinnamon Banana Bread is a timeless classic—it’s the kind of recipe that brings instant comfort, from its heavenly aroma to its moist, tender crumb. But what if we took it a step further? What if we added a touch of French finesse to this beloved loaf, giving it a delicate richness and subtle sophistication, perfect for long summer mornings or breezy afternoon picnics?

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This is my take on Cinnamon Banana Bread, inspired by my grandmother’s rustic kitchen in the south of France. She believed in using ingredients at their peak, like overripe bananas and the best cinnamon you could find. She added yogurt (or crème fraîche, when she was feeling fancy), used simple pantry staples, and always served it with something fresh—berries, cream, or jam.

Today, I’m sharing that same recipe, infused with warmth, ease, and the sunshine of summer. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Cinnamon Banana Bread will be your new go-to treat.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread

The beauty of Cinnamon Banana Bread lies in its balance—it’s sweet but not sugary, spiced but not overwhelming. It’s satisfying, but still light enough to enjoy on a warm day.

  • French-inspired ingredients like crème fraîche or Greek yogurt elevate the texture
  • Ground cinnamon adds warmth and aroma that feels cozy but summery
  • Easy-to-follow steps make it a breeze for beginners
  • Great for any time of day—breakfast, snack, dessert, or brunch
  • Customizable with nuts, chocolate, fruit, or even a swirl of Nutella

Looking for more comforting loaf recipes? Try our Rustic Raisin and Walnut Bread or this flavorful Carrot Pineapple Bread.

 

Slice of moist cinnamon banana bread on a white plate

Ingredients (Serves 12)

Here’s what you’ll need to make one heavenly loaf:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or crème fraîche for a more French flavor)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chunks

These ingredients create a lovely, moist banana bread with just the right amount of cinnamon spice. The crème fraîche brings in that French countryside charm—rich, creamy, and elegant.

Prep Time & Cooking Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can either grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the eggs, sugar, yogurt (or crème fraîche), melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until creamy.

3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures a soft and tender Cinnamon Banana Bread texture.

4. Combine and Fold

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it. Stir in optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chunks.

5. Pour, Decorate, and Bake

Pour the batter into the loaf pan. For a beautiful finish, slice a banana lengthwise and place it on top, or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Bake for 50–55 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center to check—it should come out clean or with moist crumbs.

6. Cool and Slice

Let the Cinnamon Banana Bread rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Summer Serving Ideas for Cinnamon Banana Bread

Cinnamon Banana Bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it during the warmer months:

  • Toasted with butter and fresh peach slices
  • Topped with whipped crème fraîche and strawberries
  • Served with iced coffee or cold brew
  • Cut into cubes for brunch platters with jam, cheeses, and fruit

Try it alongside our Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes for a beautiful, bakery-style brunch.

Turn it into a French Brunch

Pair this bread with:

Craving more brunch ideas? Check out our Classic Vanilla Cake.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Want to personalize your Cinnamon Banana Bread?

  • Add orange zest or a splash of almond extract for a Mediterranean flair
  • Swirl in Nutella—just like our 4-Ingredient Nutella Brownies
  • Use brown butter instead of melted butter for a rich, nutty aroma
  • Make it a banana muffin batch by dividing into muffin tins (bake for ~22 minutes)

Close-up of fluffy cinnamon banana bread with golden crust

Storage & Freezing

Your Cinnamon Banana Bread will stay moist and flavorful with proper storage:

  • Room temp: Keep it covered for 3 days
  • Refrigerate: Stays fresh for up to 6 days
  • Freeze: Slice and wrap in parchment. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave briefly.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Banana Bread

  • Use very ripe bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter the fruit.
  • Sift dry ingredients: Ensures an even, airy crumb.
  • Let it rest before slicing: This keeps the bread from crumbling.
  • Use room temp eggs and yogurt: Helps create a smooth batter.
  • Don’t overmix: This is the key to soft, tender banana bread.

For more expert tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s quick bread guide.

Baking Tips for Success

  1. Use overripe bananas with black spots—they’re sweeter and more flavorful
  2. Don’t overmix the batter to avoid toughness
  3. Bring ingredients to room temp before baking
  4. Let it cool before slicing to prevent crumbling

Want more banana recipes? Try our Sour Cream Banana Bread next.

What Readers Are Saying

“My favorite banana bread ever! Moist, perfectly spiced, and great with tea.”
“Took it to a brunch party—everyone asked for the recipe!”
“I added walnuts and a swirl of honey. Divine!”

More Delicious Resources

Nutrition (per slice, approx.)

  • Calories: 180
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Sugar: 12g