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 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of this Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping. Perfectly moist and sweet, this recipe is a family favorite.

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-01-02T02:16:10.417Z

This Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping recipe brings back memories of cozy afternoons spent baking in the kitchen. The sweet aroma fills the air, making it impossible to resist a warm slice straight from the oven.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously moist with a perfect balance of sweetness
Cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crunch
Uses ripe bananas, making it a great way to reduce food waste

      

The Secret to Moist Banana Bread

Achieving the perfect moistness in banana bread is all about the ripeness of your bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel, as this indicates they are at their peak ripeness. If you have bananas that are overripe, don’t toss them out! They are ideal for baking and can enhance the taste of your banana bread significantly.

Another key element to moisture is the butter. Using melted butter not only adds richness but also ensures that the mixture blends well, preventing any dry patches in the batter. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in your final loaf, resulting in a tender crumb that everyone will love.

Cinnamon Sugar: A Delightful Twist

The cinnamon sugar topping transforms this banana bread from ordinary to extraordinary. The combination of sugar and cinnamon creates a sweet, aromatic crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior of the loaf. This additional layer of flavor is what makes this recipe stand out, making it a favorite for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Sprinkling a generous amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top before baking allows it to caramelize, creating a delightful crunch. This textural contrast enhances the overall eating experience, providing a satisfying bite that complements the moist banana bread perfectly.

Storing and Serving Tips

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moisture for several days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Banana bread makes a wonderful breakfast option or a delightful afternoon snack. Serve it plain, or add a smear of butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgence. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

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 cup all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix all the ingredients well and prepare to bake!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt.

Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Fold in Flour

Add the flour and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.

Transfer to Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and 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, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy this warm, delicious banana bread with your favorite beverage!

Variations to Try

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. Chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit can add exciting new flavors and textures to your banana bread. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of nutmeg or a splash of rum for a unique twist.

For a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give your bread a nuttier flavor and increase its nutritional value while still keeping it moist and delicious.

Perfect Pairings

Banana bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a classic combination, enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. The warmth of the drink complements the sweetness of the bread beautifully. Alternatively, try it with a cold glass of milk or a fruity smoothie for a refreshing contrast.

If you're serving banana bread at a gathering, consider adding a spread station with options like honey, almond butter, or flavored cream cheese. This allows your guests to customize their slices and adds an interactive element to your serving.

Nutritional Information

Banana bread can be a nutritious choice when made with wholesome ingredients. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, which can support digestive health. Additionally, using whole grain flour can increase the fiber content, making it more filling.

While it's important to enjoy banana bread as a treat, being mindful of portion sizes can help you savor its deliciousness without overindulging. A slice can be a part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with protein-rich foods like yogurt or nuts for added nutrition.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I tell when my banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.