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Best Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12 servings
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until fully combined with the wet mixture.
  6. 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.
  7. Fold in sour cream: Add the sour cream last and gently fold it into the batter, ensuring an even and smooth consistency.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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