Good Housekeeping Banana Bread Recipe: Ultra Moist With Cinnamon Swirl

This banana bread delivers on its promise of ultra-moist texture with every bite. The cinnamon swirl adds warmth and depth to the classic flavor.

Simple ingredients come together to create a tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. The secret is in the balance of ripe bananas and just the right amount of spice.

Ingredients for Good Housekeeping Banana Bread

Simple ingredients create an ultra-moist loaf with warm cinnamon swirl depth.

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The bananas are non-negotiable here—heavily speckled, almost black is ideal. Most grocery stores carry them, but I’ve had luck finding perfectly ripe ones at Trader Joe’s. The flour should be all-purpose; no need for cake flour or bread flour. For the oil, any neutral variety like canola or vegetable works. The sour cream is key for that promised moisture, so don’t skip it (full-fat is best).

No sour cream? Plain Greek yogurt at the same amount works in a pinch. Walnuts can be swapped for pecans or omitted entirely. If you’re out of brown sugar, use all granulated sugar plus 1 tbsp molasses. The cinnamon swirl can be amped up with a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy. For a lighter texture, cake flour works but reduces chewiness.

Baked loaf keeps at room temperature for 2-3 days wrapped in foil. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze slices for 3 months. The cinnamon swirl actually intensifies overnight, so this tastes even better the next day (worth the wait).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Bread With Cinnamon Swirl

This method delivers a perfectly moist crumb with a fragrant cinnamon ribbon throughout.

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Base and Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the 3 whole Ripe Bananas until smooth with only small lumps remaining. Stir in the 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar, 0.5 cup Light Brown Sugar, 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil, 2 whole Large Eggs, and 1 tsp Vanilla Extract until fully combined. The mixture should be thick and glossy.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 tsp Baking Soda, and 0.5 tsp Salt. I always sift these dry ingredients to prevent any clumps and ensure even distribution in the batter.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Combine the 0.5 cup Sour Cream with 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon in a small bowl. This creates the moist swirl that defines this recipe. Set aside the remaining 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon to mix with the 0.5 cup Chopped Walnuts for topping.

The sour cream adds richness and guarantees the bread stays moist for days. I use full-fat for the best texture. Mix the remaining cinnamon with the walnuts in a separate small bowl—this prevents the spices from settling at the bottom of your loaf.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until the flour disappears. Overmixing will make your bread dense. The batter should be thick but pourable, with visible streaks of banana.

Fold in the cinnamon-sour cream mixture in two additions, leaving visible swirls throughout the batter. This creates those beautiful ribbons in the finished loaf. Avoid overmixing—you want distinct cinnamon streaks, not a uniform color.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-walnut mixture evenly over the top. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

The top should be deep golden brown and cracked down the center. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. The cinnamon swirls will be visible and fragrant when you remove it from the oven.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the loaf from becoming soggy on the bottom. The cinnamon aroma will fill your kitchen as it cools.

Slice when completely cool to maintain the structure. Each piece should show distinct cinnamon swirls and have a tender, moist crumb. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch to the soft texture. This bread stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions for Leftovers

Breakfast Pairings

Serve warm slices with a schmear of cream cheese for a quick breakfast treat. The tanginess complements the cinnamon swirl beautifully. I often pair it with fresh berries for a light, balanced start to the day.

Afternoon Tea Time

This bread is perfect with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or coffee in the afternoon. The spices in the tea echo the cinnamon in the loaf. I love the ritual of slicing a piece when I need a midday pick-me-up. 💛

Dessert Presentation

For a fancier presentation, dust slices with powdered sugar and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm bread and cold ice cream is irresistible. This transforms it into a proper dessert.

Picnic Perfect

Wrap slices in parchment paper for an easy picnic treat. The bread travels well and tastes great at room temperature. I always include it in my picnic basket for a sweet finish to outdoor meals.

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sophisticated touch that enhances the sweetness. ✨

Gift Worthy

Package cooled loaves in cellophane with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. The cinnamon aroma makes it especially appealing. I like to include a handwritten note with serving suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions