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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for topping); 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)

Highlighted under: Soft Kitchen

I absolutely love baking banana bread, especially when it’s topped with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. The combination of ripe bananas and warm spices creates a fragrant, cozy atmosphere in my kitchen. Not only is this recipe straightforward, but it also uses ingredients I usually have on hand, making it perfect for a last-minute treat. The result is a soft and moist bread with a delightful crunch from the cinnamon sugar topping—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack any time of day.

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:58:34.989Z

One chilly afternoon, I had a bunch of overripe bananas that I didn't want to waste. I tossed them into a mixing bowl and blended them into a luscious batter. As I folded in the ingredients, I couldn’t help but take a moment to savor the sweet aroma creeping into my kitchen. This recipe relies on the natural sweetness of the bananas, allowing for fewer added sugars, making it a healthier option!

The key to the perfect banana bread lies in not overmixing. I learned that gently incorporating the wet and dry ingredients helps keep the final texture light and fluffy, creating a heavenly bite every time. Topping it with cinnamon sugar adds that little extra indulgence—perfect for a delightful twist on a classic treat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Rich banana flavor enhanced with a hint of cinnamon
Easy to make and perfect for beginners

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this banana bread plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Ripe bananas not only provide natural sweetness, but their ripe state also enhances the bread’s moistness. The melted butter contributes to a richer flavor and a tender crumb. For best results, aim for bananas that are heavily speckled or almost black—this indicates they have reached peak ripeness and will yield the best results.

Baking soda is crucial here, serving as the leavening agent that helps the bread rise. It reacts with the acidity in the bananas, creating bubbles that make the bread fluffy. If you find yourself without baking soda, you can substitute it with baking powder, but use three times the amount, as it’s less potent. Keep in mind that using baking powder will alter the flavor slightly, making it less tangy.

Perfecting Your Technique

When mixing your banana bread batter, it’s essential to avoid overmixing after adding the flour. Overmixing can develop gluten, which will result in a dense loaf. Instead, mix until all ingredients are combined and you see no streaks of flour—this indicates that you are done. The batter will look slightly lumpy, which is perfectly fine; those small lumps will dissolve as the bread bakes.

Do keep an eye on the baking time when using different loaf pan sizes. If you opt for a mini loaf pan, reduce the baking time to about 40-45 minutes. Likewise, if your batter is particularly thick or your oven runs hot, check for doneness a few minutes early. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating it’s time to take your bread out.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful treat!

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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon (for topping)
2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)

Make sure to have everything ready to whip up this delightful banana bread!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your banana bread!

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. Add baking soda and salt, then mix in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, fold in the flour until just combined.

Prepare the Topping

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

Transfer to Pan

Pour the banana bread 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 banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious banana bread warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For extra moistness, use very ripe bananas and consider adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

To keep your banana bread fresh, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored at room temperature, it will last for about 3 days. If you want to extend its life, consider freezing the loaf. Just slice it first and place parchment paper between the slices, so you can easily take out just what you need later on. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, simply let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warmed through. This will bring back the fresh-baked flavor and softness, ensuring that each bite is just as delightful as when it was freshly made.

Serving Suggestions

This banana bread can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. For a cozy breakfast, serve a warm slice slathered in butter or cream cheese. You can also reinvent it as a dessert by pairing it with vanilla ice cream or drizzling it with chocolate sauce. If you're in the mood for something extra special, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for an exciting twist.

You can also use this banana bread as a base for French toast. Simply dip slices in a mixture of eggs and milk, then cook on a skillet until golden brown. Serve topped with fresh fruit or maple syrup for an indulgent brunch treat. These simple additions can elevate this classic recipe into something extraordinary, making it versatile for any occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I add to the banana bread?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for additional flavor and texture.