Introduction
There’s something heartwarming about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, and when that bread is infused with the nostalgic flavors of snickerdoodles and ripe bananas, it becomes a slice of pure comfort. This Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is not just a treat; it’s a delightful experience that combines the rich, moist goodness of banana bread with the warm spices and sweet cinnamon sugar topping reminiscent of traditional snickerdoodles. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert, this recipe will have your family and friends asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cinnamon sugar (for topping)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 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 large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes, and you’re aiming for that lovely pale color!
- Add in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix everything until just combined, making sure no streaks of banana remain.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and flour until well mixed.
- Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, mixing just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top of the batter, allowing it to form a beautiful, sweet crust as it bakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma!
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas, as they have higher natural sugars that enhance the sweetness of the bread. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for a fun twist! If you love extra cinnamon flavor, consider increasing the cinnamon in the batter slightly.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe is a great opportunity to practice your creaming method. When you cream butter and sugars together, you’re incorporating air into the mixture, which helps the bread rise beautifully, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients to avoid a dense loaf.
FAQ
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Absolutely! Let the bread cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Why is my banana bread dense?
This can happen if the flour is overmixed or if too much flour is added. Always measure your flour correctly by fluffing it up, spooning it into the measuring cup, and leveling it off with a knife.
Conclusion
This Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is not only a feast for the taste buds but also fills your home with warmth and happiness. Perfectly moist with a delightful cinnamon sugar crust, it’s bound to become your go-to recipe for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!