Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 tsp baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Recipes

I absolutely love baking banana bread, and this particular recipe has become my go-to. The addition of a sweet cinnamon sugar topping elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. I often find myself with overripe bananas that need to be used, and this recipe not only makes perfect sense but also fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It's simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough for a gathering with friends. Trust me, you’ll keep coming back for more!

Created by

Florence Keaton

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:17:34.917Z

Baking this banana bread is one of those therapeutic experiences for me. I enjoy mashing the bananas by hand and mixing everything together; it feels so rewarding. I remember the first time I made it, I tried adding in a secret ingredient - a splash of vanilla extract - and it transformed the flavor in such an amazing way. Now, I can’t make it without including it!

One of the best tricks I learned is to slightly underbake the bread, letting it rest in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This step keeps the bread moist and delightful. I often sprinkle a teaspoon of extra cinnamon on top for that final touch of flavor. It truly elevates the experience of enjoying a slice with my morning coffee.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfectly moist with a subtle sweetness
A delightful crunch from the cinnamon sugar topping
Great use of overripe bananas, avoiding food waste

      

Mastering the Banana Bread Batter

In this banana bread recipe, the bananas play a crucial role in achieving a moist texture and natural sweetness. Use overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots, as their flavor becomes more concentrated the longer they ripen. If you find yourself without ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. This simple trick helps to trap the ethylene gas produced by the bananas, hastening their ripening.

When mixing the wet ingredients with the dry ones, it's important not to overmix. Once you add the flour, stir gently until just incorporated; the batter should still be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough bread due to the gluten development, which is not what we're aiming for in a tender banana bread.

Customizing Your Banana Bread

Feel free to tailor this banana bread recipe to your taste! For instance, you can add a handful of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. If you prefer more fruity flavors, consider tossing in some chocolate chips or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins. Each of these additions not only enhances the flavor but also complements the natural sweetness of the bananas.

For those looking to reduce sugar intake, you can substitute half of the sugar with unsweetened applesauce. It behaves similarly to sugar and contributes to the moistness of the banana bread while significantly lowering the overall sugar content. This substitution allows for a delicious yet healthier version of the classic banana bread.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started on your banana bread:

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. Happy baking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious banana bread:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix Banana and Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the mashed bananas. Mix well.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Stir in the baking soda and salt. Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Finally, add in the all-purpose flour and mix until just incorporated.

Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.

Make Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter before baking.

Bake

Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for a few minutes in the pan.

Cool and Serve

Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Storage and Enjoyment

To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay moist for about 3-4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread. This allows you to enjoy a piece whenever you crave it. Just thaw a slice at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a quick treat.

For a delightful twist, serve warmed slices topped with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It makes for a comforting breakfast or an afternoon snack. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the perfect cozy combination that can brighten up any day.

Baking Tips for Success

When baking, be sure to check the doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, signaling that it’s ready. Keep in mind that oven temperatures can vary, so start checking a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.

If you notice that your bread is browning too quickly on top but still raw inside, you can cover the loaf with aluminum foil halfway through the baking process. This will help to evenly distribute the heat without burning the topping, ensuring that you can achieve that perfectly baked banana bread every time.

Questions About Recipes

→ How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though the texture may be denser.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a hint of nutmeg for additional flavors.