Snickerdoodle Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of banana bread and snickerdoodles is a match made in heaven. The bananas add a natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, while the cinnamon and sugar topping gives it that snickerdoodle flair you love. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for using up overripe bananas, ensuring you end up with a comforting, soft, and flavorful loaf every time.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Stir in the vanilla extract and the egg until well mixed.
3. Add Sugars and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Then, add the baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, and cinnamon, stirring until everything is combined.
4. Add Flour: Gently fold in the flour until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
6. Assemble in the Pan: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface.
7. Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy this delightful Snickerdoodle Banana Bread as a cozy breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: You can enhance this banana bread by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.
• Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg and use dairy-free butter.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or wrap the entire loaf in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?

Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread! They should be soft and speckled with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or use honey instead of the brown sugar, though this may slightly alter the texture.

Can I make this bread without the topping?

Absolutely! The topping is optional, but it adds a delightful cinnamon-sugar crunch. If you prefer a more classic banana bread, you can skip it.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar.

Can I make mini loaves of banana bread?

Yes! If you want to make smaller loaves, you can divide the batter into two smaller pans and adjust the baking time to around 35-45 minutes, depending on the size of the pans.

How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?

A toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the loaf should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Can I freeze the banana bread?

Yes! Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Can I add other spices to the bread?

Feel free to add extra spices like nutmeg or ginger for a spicier variation of this recipe. It pairs especially well with the cinnamon.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Yes, you can substitute melted butter with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or another type of fat. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before mashing.

Conclusion

Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is a deliciously cozy and flavorful twist on traditional banana bread. With a soft and moist interior, combined with the sweet and spicy topping, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or warmed up later, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your baking rotation!

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