Caramelized Cinnamon Banana Bread
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this moist, nut-free banana bread, enhanced by a heavenly caramelized cinnamon sugar topping. Each slice is soft and rich, boasting the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of spice from cinnamon and optional cardamom. This easy-to-follow recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or an afternoon snack. Enjoy a taste that lingers with every bite, delivering rave reviews every time. Whether you savor it plain or slathered with butter, this banana bread is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
sugar
3/4 cup
egg
1 (large)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
baking powder
2 teaspoons
salt
1/4 teaspoon
cinnamon
2 teaspoons (plus additional for topping)
cardamom
1 teaspoon (optional)
mashed bananas
1 cup (about 3 ripe bananas)
buttermilk or plain yogurt
2 tablespoons
sugar (for topping)
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Add the egg and beat well until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
4
In a separate medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom (if using).
5
In a small bowl, mash the bananas and mix them with the buttermilk (or yogurt) until smooth.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients and the banana mixture to the butter mixture in alternating batches. Start with the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
10
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Cinnamon Banana Bread?
It is a moist, nut-free banana bread featuring a rich caramelized cinnamon sugar topping and a hint of spice from cinnamon and optional cardamom.
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes, this recipe is nut-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with nut allergies.
How many bananas are required for this recipe?
You will need approximately 3 ripe bananas to produce the 1 cup of mashed bananas required.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What pan size should be used?
A standard 9x5-inch loaf pan is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The banana bread typically bakes for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Can I use a substitute for buttermilk?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt instead of buttermilk.
What ingredients make the caramelized topping?
The topping is made by combining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Is cardamom mandatory in this recipe?
No, 1 teaspoon of cardamom is an optional ingredient to add extra spice depth.
How do I test if the bread is finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
Should I prepare the loaf pan before baking?
Yes, you should grease and flour the 9x5-inch loaf pan before pouring in the batter.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the butter and sugar together for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Does the recipe use baking soda or baking powder?
This recipe uses both: 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of softened butter.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
One large egg is needed for this banana bread.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How much cinnamon goes into the bread batter?
You should add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon into the batter, plus more for the topping.
Why shouldn't I overmix the batter?
Mixing until just incorporated ensures the banana bread remains soft and moist rather than tough.
In what order should I add the ingredients?
Gradually add the dry ingredients and the banana mixture to the creamed butter in alternating batches.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the flour, leavening agents, and spices together in a separate bowl is recommended.
What occasions is this bread suitable for?
It is perfect for brunch gatherings, afternoon snacks, or as a sweet treat for friends and family.
How should this banana bread be served?
It can be enjoyed plain or slathered with butter for a richer taste.
What is the texture of this bread?
The bread is described as moist, soft, and rich.
What provides the natural sweetness in the bread?
The natural sweetness primarily comes from ripe mashed bananas.
Is this a beginner-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe that yields great results.
When should I add the vanilla extract?
The vanilla extract should be stirred in after the egg has been fully beaten into the butter mixture.
How do I apply the cinnamon-sugar topping?
Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter once it is in the pan.