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; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Modern Inspiration

I love making banana bread, especially when I can add a little twist to the classic recipe. This Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping is a delightful treat that my family always enjoys. The combination of ripe bananas and a cinnamon-sugar mixture on top gives every slice a sweet crunch that elevates the traditional flavor profile. It’s easy to make, and the aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy it as much as we do!

Created by

Olwen Bradford

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:45:34.634Z

When I first experimented with adding a cinnamon sugar topping to my banana bread, I was amazed at how it transformed the entire loaf. The subtle sweetness from the bananas paired with the crunch of the sugary layer created a delightful texture that I wanted to share. Over the years, I've refined the recipe to achieve the perfect balance, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor and nostalgia.

One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to use overly ripe bananas. They not only add a natural sweetness but also keep the bread moist and tender. I've found that the darker the banana, the better the flavor, so don’t hesitate to use those spotted ones sitting on your counter!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistible crunchy topping with a hint of cinnamon
Incredibly moist and flavorful banana bread
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

Mastering the Right Banana Consistency

The key to a moist and flavorful banana bread lies in the bananas you choose. Utilize overripe bananas; their dark, speckled skin indicates maximum sweetness and moisture. Aim for bananas that are soft to the touch and easily mashed, as they will blend seamlessly into the batter. If you don't have ripe bananas on hand, you can accelerate the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.

For an even deeper flavor profile, consider adding a mashed banana or two directly to the mixture, but avoid incorporating too many as it may make the bread overly dense. Balancing the moisture is crucial; if your bananas are particularly large, you might need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the proper batter consistency.

Perfecting the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

The cinnamon sugar topping is more than just a sweet finish; its texture gives a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft banana bread. To achieve the best results, ensure that the butter in the bread is cooled slightly before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This prevents the sugar from melting into the batter, allowing it to remain on top to create that sought-after crunch.

Feel free to customize the cinnamon sugar blend to your taste. If you enjoy a little extra spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the topping. To amp up the flavor even further, a drizzle of maple syrup before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar can lend a unique twist.

Serving and Storing Your Banana Bread

Once your banana bread has cooled, consider slicing it into thick pieces for a satisfying breakfast or snack. Pairing with spreadable cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt can complement the sweetness and add creaminess to each bite. I often enjoy mine with a drizzle of peanut butter for an added protein kick. Additionally, it can be warmed slightly in the microwave for a cozy afternoon treat.

For storage, wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or foil to retain moisture, and it can last at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. This not only preserves freshness but also allows for quick and easy snacks in the future; just thaw a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds before enjoying.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up this delicious banana bread.

Ingredients for Banana Bread

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

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Topping

2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix the ingredients well and get ready to bake!

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create your banana bread masterpiece.

Preheat the oven

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

Mix the wet ingredients

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

Add sugar and egg

Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla until combined.

Incorporate flour

Gently fold in the flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix!

Prepare the topping

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.

Assemble and bake

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious banana bread with a warm cup of tea or coffee!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Banana bread can be forgiving, but some issues may arise. If your bread doesn't rise as expected, it could be due to old baking soda. Always check the expiration date of your leavening agents before starting your recipe. Another common issue is dense bread; this often results from overmixing the batter. Remember, mix just until incorporated to keep your loaf fluffy.

If you find that your banana bread is browning too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside, try using a lower rack in the oven or covering the top loosely with aluminum foil after 30 minutes. This ensures even baking while preventing the top from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe shines with traditional ingredients, you can make some swaps to accommodate dietary preferences. For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, which can retain moisture while offering a subtle flavor twist. Additionally, substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour can give the bread a nutty taste and added fiber without significantly altering the texture.

If you’re looking to reduce sugar, unsweetened applesauce can be used to cut down on sweetness while maintaining moisture. Just keep in mind that this might slightly alter the banana flavor, so adjust accordingly. For nut allergies, consider adding flaxseeds or chia seeds for a pop of nutrition without compromising the recipe.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this base recipe, get creative! Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. Chocolate chips are another favorite addition, providing a sweet contrast to the spiced topping. Opt for dark chocolate for a more sophisticated flavor that complements the banana perfectly.

For a tropical twist, you can mix in dried fruits like shredded coconut or chopped pineapple. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a fun texture. Feel free to experiment with different spices, like cardamom or ginger, to create your personal signature banana bread option that will impress your friends and family.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

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

→ Can I make mini loaves?

Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 40-45 minutes.

→ What can I substitute for flour?

You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if needed.