Classic Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon-Sugar Crust for Extra Flavor

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Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon-Sugar Crust is the perfect treat for those who love a classic recipe with a flavorful twist.

I remember the first time I made this delicious banana bread; it was a cold Saturday morning, and I wanted to bake something comforting for my family. With a few overripe bananas on hand, I decided to create something extra special by adding a cinnamon-sugar crust. The result? A warm, golden loaf with a delightful crunch on top, bursting with rich banana flavor inside.

It quickly became a family favorite, and now, I’m excited to share this Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon-Sugar Crust with you!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Recipe

There is nothing else like this banana bread. It’s tasty and moist, and the cinnamon-sugar crust on top gives it a satisfying crunch. Easy to make with things you probably already have on hand, this recipe is perfect for any event. This recipe will become your go-to whether you’ve baked before or not.

It’s also fun for kids and a great way to use up bananas that are overripe and would otherwise go to waste. The cinnamon and sugar on top make it look like it came from a bakery. It’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Key Ingredients for the Best Banana Bread

Overripe Bananas

Overripe Bananas to make Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon-Sugar

The key to a rich, flavorful banana bread is using overripe bananas. The browner, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, providing the perfect consistency for your bread. If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two, or you can pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 20 minutes until the peels blacken.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

cinnamon-sugar topping

The cinnamon-sugar topping is what makes this recipe stand out. The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar caramelizes in the oven, creating a crispy, flavorful crust. The key to getting it just right is using a generous amount—don’t skimp on the topping! Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

Pantry Staples

You likely already have most of the ingredients for this banana bread in your pantry: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and baking soda. These basic ingredients come together to create a loaf that’s perfectly moist and not overly sweet.

Classic Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon-Sugar Crust for Extra Flavor

Recipe by Chef SarahCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

55

minutes
Calories

280

kcal

Ingredients

  • Banana Bread Ingredients:
  • 3 overripe bananas, mashed

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • Cinnamon-Sugar Topping Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
  • Get all of your items together and measure them out before you start. This way, the process will run more smoothly and mistakes will not occur. For the best results, make sure the butter is soft and the eggs are at room temperature.
  • Step 2: Make the Batter
  • Mash the bananas in a big bowl until they are smooth. After adding the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mix in the melted butter. Put the flour, baking soda, and salt in a different bowl and mix them together with a whisk. Be careful not to overmix as you slowly combine the wet and dry items.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
  • Put equal amounts of cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Once you pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix on top. As it bakes, this will turn into a crunchy, tasty crust.

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
  • A generous cinnamon-sugar topping adds the perfect crunchy crust.
  • Check for doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best results.

Nutritional Information

This banana bread is full of flavor and still has a beneficial mix of nutrients. Depending on the sauces and add-ins, one slice has about 200 to 290 calories. With its cinnamon sugar crust, this treat is hard to say no to. Bananas provide a lot of energy.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

280

Calories

12g

Fat

35g

Carbs

4g

Protein

Show Full Nutrition Label
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving of Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon-Sugar (1 slice)

Calories280
Total Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 25mg8%
Sodium 220mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
Dietary Fiber 3g10%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 4g
Calcium 40mg4%
Iron 1.8mg10%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

More Banana Bread Recipes You’ll Love:

Tips for Getting the Perfect Banana Bread Texture

Don’t overmix the batter if you want it to have the right, soft structure. When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, stir them together just until they are mixed. If you mix your banana bread too much, it can become thick instead of light and fluffy.

It’s also important to use items that are at room temperature. When butter and eggs are too cold, they don’t mix as well, which makes the texture uneven. You can quickly bring eggs to room temperature by briefly immersing them in warm water.

Here’s a guide to help you troubleshoot common baking mistakes.

Variations of This Banana Bread Recipe

Add-ins
You can make this banana bread recipe your own by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. You could use walnuts instead. They would go well with the soft bread because they add a bit of crunch. On the other hand, the chocolate chips make this treat a little more decadent, like a cake.

Add-ins Classic Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon-Sugar Crust for Extra Flavor

Gluten-Free Version
To make it gluten-free, just use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Also, make sure that the baking soda and other things you use are gluten-free.

Gluten Free Version Classic Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust for Extra Flavor

Vegan Substitutes
To make it vegan, use flaxseed eggs instead of eggs and plant-based butter. You can also use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of regular sugar to change the taste.

Vegan Substitutes Version Classic Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust for Extra Flavor

Check out this vegan banana bread recipe for more inspiration.

How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread

After your banana bread has cooled down fully, put it in a container that won’t let air in and leave it at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for three to four days. To keep it longer, cover it well with plastic wrap and put it in the freezer for up to three months. To eat it, just let it thaw at room temperature or heat up a few slices at a time in the microwave for a quick snack.

Frying is a wonderful way to store things for a long time. Before you freeze the loaf, cut it up so you can have a piece whenever you want. Check out our complete guide on how to store and freeze banana bread so that it stays fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions for Your Banana Bread

Before you serve this banana bread with butter or cream cheese, it tastes excellent on its own. But if you want to take it to the next level, serve it warm. For an extra crunch, you can toast the slices. It’s also a delightful snack to have with coffee or tea in the morning or afternoon.

For a dessert twist, try topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Here are more banana bread ideas for when you want to switch things up.

Troubleshooting Common Banana Bread Issues

Dry Banana Bread
If your banana bread is too dry, it could be because you baked it for too long or didn’t use enough bananas. Watch out for your bread near the end of baking time, and use a lot of ripe bananas to add extra wetness.

Cracked Top
Most of the time, a cracked top is a beneficial thing. That means your banana bread has risen the right way. However, if the cracks are too large, the oven could be too hot. Next time, turn down the heat by 10 to 15 degrees.

Sticky Bottom
If the bottom of your banana bread is sticky, it might not have baked fully. This could be because you didn’t grease your loaf pan enough. Before taking the bread out of the pan, make sure it’s fully baked and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Take a look at our guide on the 5 Most Common Banana Bread Mistakes and How to Correct Them.

Final Thoughts on This Delicious Banana Bread Recipe

This Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon-Sugar crust is a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, delicious, and an excellent way to use up overripe bananas. Whether you eat it for breakfast, a snack, or dinner, the cinnamon-sugar topping makes the whole loaf taste better. Please try this recipe and let your family and friends know how it turned out. You can’t keep it to yourself, trust me!

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread

Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas are excellent in banana bread. Just be sure to let them fully thaw and drain off any extra water before adding them to the batter.

Why Is My Banana Bread Too Dense?

Most of the time, overmixing the batter or using too much flour results in a thick loaf. Ensure accurate measurement and stir only until thoroughly combined. This will keep the bread light and fluffy.

How Do I Prevent My Banana Bread from Sinking?

When banana bread is too wet or not baked long enough, the middle often sinks. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the middle; it should emerge clean.