1. Preheat & Prepare the Loaf Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash the Bananas & Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
• Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

• Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to the banana mixture.
• Pour in the milk and stir gently until the batter is smooth—do not overmix!

4. Make the Cinnamon Swirl

• In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon.

5. Layer the Batter & Cinnamon Swirl

• Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
• Pour the remaining banana batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over it.
• Use a butter knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

6. Add the Topping (Optional)

• For extra cinnamon flavor, mix 1 tablespoon brown sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle it over the top before baking.

7. Bake the Banana Bread

• Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil after 30 minutes.

8. Cool & Serve

• Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!