Description
This Best Ever Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch is a moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced quick bread that features browned butter and a delightful cinnamon-sugar topping. Made with ripe bananas, sour cream, and a hint of cinnamon, this recipe results in a tender crumb with a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust that elevates classic banana bread to a new level.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g)
- 2 eggs, cold
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large extra ripe bananas, mashed (about 400g)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120g) – can be substituted with yogurt
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour (195g)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Sugars
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (55g)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
- 1 tbsp sugar for the cinnamon crunch (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, then butter it to prevent sticking.
- Brown the butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a nonstick saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the butter turns brown and releases a fragrant nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- Add sugars and stir: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and add both granulated and brown sugars to the browned butter. Stir the mixture continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sugars are well incorporated.
- Mix eggs and vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the cold eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns smooth and silky.
- Add bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until fully combined with the wet mixture.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Fold in sour cream: Add the sour cream last and gently fold it into the batter, ensuring an even and smooth consistency.
- Prepare batter for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture on top to create a cinnamon crunch.
- Bake: Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the loaf is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the banana bread to rest in the loaf pan for 20 minutes before removing it. Slice and enjoy the perfect blend of moist banana bread with a crunchy cinnamon topping.
Notes
- This is arguably the best banana bread you’ll ever eat, with a perfect balance of flavor that’s ultra moist without being dense.
- The browned butter adds a rich, nutty depth that enhances the bananas’ natural sweetness.
- The cinnamon sugar topping provides a delightful, crunchy contrast to the soft bread.
- Sour cream can be substituted with yogurt to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of the loaf)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
