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 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar (for topping); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Highlighted under: Sweet Kitchen

I can’t resist a good slice of banana bread, especially when it’s topped with a delicious cinnamon sugar blend. Each bite of this bread is bursting with the sweet and slightly spicy warmth of cinnamon, paired perfectly with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. It’s incredibly moist and makes for an indulgent breakfast or snack. My family loves how the aroma fills the kitchen while it bakes, and it never lasts long once it’s out of the oven. This recipe has quickly become a cherished favorite in our home.

Created by

Jessamine Ford

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:01:35.166Z

One afternoon, I found myself staring at a bowl of overly ripe bananas, and I knew I had to create something delicious. As I whipped up my banana bread batter, I decided to experiment by adding a cinnamon sugar topping, which turned out to be a game-changer. The crunchy topping complements the moist interior beautifully, providing texture and flavor that make each slice irresistible.

This banana bread has become a staple in my kitchen. Every time I bring it to gatherings or share it with friends, I get requests for the recipe. If you want to make this bread even more special, consider adding walnuts or chocolate chips to the mix. It’s all about personalizing it to your taste!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The irresistible aroma of freshly baked banana bread fills your kitchen.
The crunch of the cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful texture.
This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impresses everyone.

      

Understanding Ripe Bananas

The key to achieving the best flavor and texture in your banana bread lies in the ripeness of the bananas. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots or even almost completely brown. These overripe bananas are extremely soft and sweet, making them perfect for baking. If you only have green or yellow bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.

When mashing your bananas, aim for a smooth consistency, as this will help create a uniform batter. I recommend using a fork or a potato masher, as a food processor might over-puree the bananas. You want some texture to remain, which will add to the overall moisture of the bread.

Perfecting the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

The cinnamon sugar topping not only adds a crunchy texture but also complements the softness of the banana bread beautifully. To achieve the perfect balance, ensure you mix the cinnamon and sugar thoroughly before sprinkling it on top of the batter. This step prevents clumps and ensures each slice gets an even distribution of flavor.

If you're looking to elevate the topping even further, consider adding finely chopped nuts or oats for added crunch. Almonds or walnuts pair particularly well with the flavors of banana and cinnamon. Just be sure to adjust the quantity of sugar slightly if you add these ingredients to maintain the sweetness.

Serving and Storage Tips

Once your banana bread has cooled, it's best served fresh but can also be enjoyed the next day. To maintain its moist texture, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last about 3-4 days on the counter, and if you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Slice the bread before freezing, wrapping each slice individually to make it easier to take out just what you need.

For reheating, simply place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or toast them for a crispy exterior. Serve your banana bread warm with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey for an even more indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to start baking your delicious banana bread:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar (for topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

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

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your banana bread:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt.

Combine with Sugar and Egg

Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and mix well.

Incorporate Flour

Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over the batter. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience!

Pro Tips

If your bananas are not very ripe, you can bake them in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes until they turn black to enhance their natural sweetness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your banana bread sinks in the middle, it's often due to underbaking or too much moisture in the batter. Make sure you test the bread with a toothpick; it should come out clean. If you suspect it might be too moist, you can try reducing the mashed banana by a couple of tablespoons, or ensure that your oven is calibrated correctly to avoid underbaking.

Another common issue is overly dense banana bread. This usually happens when the flour is overmixed, leading to gluten formation. Mix the flour into the wet ingredients gently and just until you see no flour streaks – it's okay if there are a few lumps left.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily substitute the melted butter with a neutral oil like vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. Just use the same amount, and your banana bread will still be wonderfully moist. Similarly, for vegan options, replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or a mashed-up banana, keeping the total number of bananas in mind.

For those watching their sugar intake, you can reduce the sugar amount or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with your banana bread by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a different flavor kick. Each addition brings a new dimension to the classic recipe. Just remember to keep the total amount of add-ins to about one cup to avoid throwing off the batter's balance.

For a more tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut or macadamia nuts alongside the banana. The flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a unique loaf that transports your taste buds to an island getaway.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.

→ What can I add to the banana bread for extra flavor?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.