Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is one of those baked goods that feels like a warm hug from the past. My story with this recipe started in my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen, where the scent of bananas and cinnamon filled the air every fall. I used to watch her fold blueberries gently into banana batter while telling stories from her youth. That comforting memory stayed with me through the years as I cooked in street stalls, bistros, and homes around the world. This bread blends the familiar taste of ripe bananas with bursts of juicy blueberries and a comforting cinnamon swirl, ideal for crisp mornings, weekend brunches, or afternoon snacks.
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It’s become a favorite in the Fresh Leaf Rezepte community because it’s approachable, flavorful, and fits right into everyday life. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread will come together easily and deliver bakery-quality results right at home.
Let’s get into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful baking tips, fun twists, and how to store this irresistible loaf, plus, I’ll include some of my favorite related recipes from the site to keep the baking inspiration going.
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Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread blends the cozy flavor of ripe bananas with juicy bursts of blueberries and a comforting cinnamon swirl. A nostalgic, bakery-quality loaf that’s perfect for crisp mornings or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- â…“ cup neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- â…“ cup brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)
- ¾ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, tossed in 1 tsp flour)
- Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add brown sugar, white sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup brown sugar and 1 ½ tsp cinnamon for the swirl.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the floured blueberries.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar on top. Add remaining batter, then sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy once cooled.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for best flavor. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread tender. Toss blueberries in flour to prevent sinking. Try a crumb topping or other fruit variations like raspberries or strawberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
No fancy flours or equipment required, just real, simple ingredients.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- â…“ cup oil (neutral like canola or sunflower)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- ¾ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, tossed in 1 tsp flour)
Optional
- A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add brown sugar, white sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Make Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl layer.
Step 5: Combine Batter and Blueberries
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Gently stir in the floured blueberries.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon mixture over it. Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl through the top layer.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice once cooled and enjoy!
For banana lovers, also check out our Walnut Banana Bread Recipe and the easy 4 Ingredient Banana Bread for simple spins.
Pro Tips for Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Use Super Ripe Bananas
Black spots on the peel? Perfect. The darker the peel, the sweeter and softer the banana, which gives better texture and flavor.
Flour Your Blueberries
Tossing them in a little flour keeps them suspended in the batter so they don’t sink to the bottom.
Don’t Overmix
Mix the batter just until you don’t see dry flour. Overmixing can make your bread dense and chewy.
Create the Perfect Swirl
Use a butter knife and gently drag it in a zigzag pattern through the batter for a pretty cinnamon swirl that bakes into every bite.
Variations to Try
Gluten-Free Swap
Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You’ll get nearly identical results with no special adjustments needed.
Add a Crumb Topping
For bakery-style texture, mix together 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon oil. Crumble this on top before baking.
Try Other Fruits
No blueberries? Use chopped strawberries, raspberries, or even dried cranberries for a different flavor.
Make It Vegan
Swap the egg for a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) and make sure your sugar is vegan.
Want more sweet fall flavors? This Apple Cinnamon Bread is another cozy loaf recipe to keep on rotation.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
On the Counter
Store your Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
In the Fridge
Keep it fresh for up to a week by storing it in the fridge. Warm slices in the microwave for that just-baked taste.
Freezing Tips
Wrap individual slices in parchment, then store in a zip-top freezer bag. It’ll last up to 3 months. Defrost overnight or microwave for 30 seconds.
Want more banana goodness? Don’t miss our Banana Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Wholesome Banana Bread Baked Oats, A healthy way to start your morning
- Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Bread, For sourdough fans who love spice
- Sweet Sourdough Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon and Pecans, Fall in a loaf
- Apple Cinnamon Bread, Lightly sweet and full of spice
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread brings together the best of fall flavors with the ease of a one-bowl banana bread recipe. It’s one of those feel-good bakes that will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. From the aroma to the moist texture and cozy flavor, every slice delivers comfort.
Baking it is as rewarding as sharing it, so grab those ripe bananas and make some magic. And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to explore more fall treats on Fresh Leaf Rezepte.