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Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping

Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping

This Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping is a moist, flavorful loaf bursting with ripe banana goodness and topped with a sweet, spiced, crunchy layer. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it balances sweetness and warm cinnamon spice, making it a cozy and irresistible treat that’s simple to make and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Ingredients

  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Crunch Topping

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bananas and Wet Ingredients: Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Mix in melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined to form the wet base of the bread.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon evenly to ensure proper distribution.
  3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet banana mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender and soft.
  4. Prepare the Cinnamon Crunch Topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a crunchy texture.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon crunch topping over the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing so the crumb sets nicely and the topping retains its crunch.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moist texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to avoid developing gluten that makes the bread tough.
  • Butter in the topping must be cold to achieve the best crunch.
  • Ensure baking soda is fresh and active for proper rising.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon topping, moist banana bread, cinnamon crunch, breakfast bread, easy banana bread, gluten free banana bread