Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe

This Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread is a soft, moist banana bread with a sweet and crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. The warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar blend perfectly with ripe bananas, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and moist texture – Perfectly tender banana bread with a rich, buttery crumb.
• Sweet cinnamon crunch topping – Adds an irresistible crispy layer.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
• Great for using ripe bananas – A delicious way to avoid food waste.
• Perfect for any time of day – Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the banana bread:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the cinnamon crunch topping:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat and prepare the pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Prepare the wet ingredients:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until smooth.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Prepare the cinnamon crunch topping:

• In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.

6. Assemble the bread:

• Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan.
• Sprinkle half of the cinnamon crunch topping over the batter.
• Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon crunch mixture.

7. Bake:

• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 15 minutes.

8. Cool and serve:

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Extra Crunchy Topping: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon crunch topping.
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for a longer shelf life.
• Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them soft again.

FAQs

Can I use brown bananas?

Yes! Overripe bananas with brown spots make the best banana bread because they add natural sweetness.

How do I prevent my banana bread from being dry?

Use ripe bananas, measure flour correctly (spoon and level), and avoid overbaking.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?

Use melted butter in the topping and avoid covering the bread while it cools.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but the texture will be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for the best results.

Why is my banana bread sinking in the middle?

It may be underbaked—make sure a toothpick comes out clean before removing it from the oven.

Can I make this bread sugar-free?

Yes! Replace sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit or coconut sugar.

What should I serve with this bread?

Enjoy it with coffee, tea, or a spread of butter, cream cheese, or honey.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar + milk glaze would be delicious.

How do I keep banana bread moist for longer?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread is a delicious, easy-to-make treat with a soft, moist interior and a sweet, crispy topping. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter, this banana bread is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth. Try it today and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-spiced bite!

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