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; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Basic Cooking

When I first decided to bake banana bread, I wasn’t expecting it to become one of my go-to recipes. The warm aroma of sweet bananas mingling with cinnamon fills my kitchen and creates a cozy atmosphere. With every bite, I savor the perfect balance of moist bread and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. It’s a delightful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack, and it brings back fond memories of baking with my family. Let me show you how to whip up this delicious loaf that’s easy and satisfying!

Created by

Flora Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-06T16:34:34.466Z

Baking this banana bread has been a delicious journey for me. I experimented with different spices and toppings, and I've seen how a simple recipe can transform with just a few tweaks. For instance, adding a hint of vanilla makes a noticeable difference in flavor. The thrill of trying out various banana ripeness levels has also proven important; the riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful my bread becomes.

One of my favorite aspects is the cinnamon sugar topping. Not only does it add a beautiful crunch, but it also elevates the ordinary loaf into something special. I recommend generously sprinkling it just before baking to get that perfect caramelized crust. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The warm aroma of cinnamon instantly makes your home feel cozy
Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand
Moist and flavorful bread, perfect for breakfast or snacks

      

Understanding Banana Bread

Banana bread is a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas, transforming them into something delicious rather than letting them go to waste. The key to a great banana bread is not only in the ripeness of the bananas but also in the moisture content they bring to the batter. Ripe bananas are sweeter and contain more moisture than unripe ones, which results in a tender and flavorful loaf. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results.

The butter plays a crucial role in banana bread, contributing to its rich flavor and enhancing the texture. By melting the butter beforehand, you not only ensure a uniform distribution in the batter but also create a slightly denser texture that's characteristic of banana bread. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce, keeping in mind that this might slightly alter the flavor profile.

Perfecting Your Cinnamon Sugar Topping

The cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that elevates the banana bread from simple to truly special. To ensure an even distribution, mix the sugar and cinnamon thoroughly in a small bowl before sprinkling it on the batter. This topping not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pleasant textural contrast to the soft, moist interior of the bread.

If you prefer a twist on the classic topping, consider adding some finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the cinnamon sugar mixture. This will not only add additional flavor and texture, but can also give a more complex taste to your banana bread, making it truly unique. Remember to adjust the quantity to maintain the right balance between the sweet topping and the moist bread beneath.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, let your banana bread cool completely to preserve its moistness. To store, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices of banana bread; simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the toaster for a warm treat.

Banana bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or almond butter, enhancing its flavors while adding a nutty creaminess. For an extra indulgence, serve warm slices with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a mouthwatering dessert. I love to add slices to my breakfast spread alongside some fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

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

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix and match the ingredients according to your preference!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with melted butter using a wooden spoon. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, mix in the flour until just combined.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.

Pour and Top

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven 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 serve!

Enjoy your freshly baked banana bread with your favorite spread!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake when baking banana bread is overmixing the batter. Mixing too much can result in a dense loaf instead of the desired light texture. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if a few banana lumps remain in the batter; they will bake out. Remember, the flour should be incorporated just enough to eliminate dry spots.

Another issue can arise from inaccurately measuring your ingredients. For best results, weigh your flour instead of using a cup measurement, as scooping can compact it and lead to too much flour being added. The flour-to-banana ratio is key to achieving the right consistency, so precise measurement is essential for delicious banana bread.

Flour Alternatives for Dietary Needs

If you're looking to make a gluten-free version of this banana bread, swapping out all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend is a great option. Ensure that your blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity of gluten. This alternative maintains the texture while catering to gluten-sensitive diets.

For a wholesome twist, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This not only increases the fiber content but also provides a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour will absorb more liquid, so you may need to adjust other ingredients slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, banana bread freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container.

→ How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper the bananas, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even black skin for the sweetest flavor.

→ Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, though it may result in a denser loaf.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.