Introduction
Imagine walking into a warm kitchen, the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air—a real treat for the senses! This delightful Snickerdoodle Banana Bread combines the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar that takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert. Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar (for the topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for the topping)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and then stir in the melted butter until well combined.
- Add the baking soda and a pinch of salt to the banana mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Incorporate the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract into the mixture, stirring until everything is well blended.
- Next, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing only until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread fluffy!
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for the topping.
- Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the batter, creating a deliciously sweet crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For best results, use very ripe bananas as they provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra crunch or a touch of indulgence!
Cooking Techniques
Banana bread is all about mixing ingredients just enough to create a tender loaf. When combining wet and dry ingredients, be gentle to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the bread dense. Additionally, testing for doneness with a toothpick is key; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs for perfect results. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can lightly cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
FAQ
- Can I freeze the banana bread? Yes! This bread freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- What if I don’t have ground cinnamon? You can substitute it with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a slightly different flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it—a wonderfully simple Snickerdoodle Banana Bread that fills your home with delightful scents and brings smiles at every bite! Whether enjoyed with a morning cup of coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a comforting dessert, this recipe is a heartwarming addition to your baking repertoire. Grab those ripe bananas and get started—you won’t regret it!