Cinnamon Banana Bread

Our Cinnamon Banana Bread has a layer of cinnamon sugar that adds a satisfying crunch. This recipe transforms sad, over-ripe bananas into the most delicious and moist banana bread you have ever had.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe
• Key Ingredients
• How to make Cinnamon Banana Bread
• Banana Bread Variations
• Storage Recommendations
• Tips and Tricks
• FAQs
• More Banana Bread
• Recipe

Banana bread is one of my favorite things to bake when we have extra ripe bananas on the counter. I have made several variations to our classic banana bread recipe over the past few years. 

Most of the time, I make chocolate chip banana bread because our kids love it. But occasionally, I like to have fun with my banana bread recipe by adding various mix-ins to switch things up.

My favorites are Reese's banana bread, cherry banana bread, and maple banana bread. However, I chose a simple banana bread topped with cinnamon sugar this time.

Why You Will Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this incredible cinnamon banana bread! This quick bread will quickly become your family's all-time favorite because of the flavor.

The perfect blend of spices and ripe bananas results in a sweet treat with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Plus, the best part is how easy it is to make!

• It's so moist! The butter and sour cream make this quick bread so soft and tender.
• The bread has a delicious crunch. Everyone loves the incredible crunch that a touch of cinnamon and sugar adds to the top and sides!
• This is the best way to use up ripe bananas. The riper they get on your counter, the better the bread.

Key Ingredients

A loaf of moist banana bread with cinnamon sugar topping is one of the easiest things to make. With just 10 minutes of prep work and a few pantry staples, you can have a loaf in your oven.

• Unsalted Butter - Softened butter will give the bread a lighter, cake-like texture.
• Granulated Sugar - Sweetens the batter and helps the butter become creamy.
• Eggs - Adds liquid to bind everything together.
• Sour Cream - This secret ingredient gives the bread a moist crumb.
• Vanilla Extract & Cinnamon - Adds so much flavor.
•  Flour -  We typically use all-purpose flour for this recipe. For best results, measure it with the spoon and sweep method.
• Baking Soda & Salt - Reacts with the sour cream to provide lift and balance the sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sugar - Use it to coat the bread pan and to sprinkle on top for a fun snickerdoodle banana bread flavor. Buy store-bought or use our favorite cinnamon sugar ratio.
• Overripe Bananas - Use dark, spotty bananas for lots of banana flavor. Learn how to make bananas ripen faster. 

BruCrew Tip: Use the extra cinnamon sugar mixture to make cinnamon donut holes or churro cookies.

How to make Cinnamon Banana Bread

Adding the extra cinnamon sugar mix on top before baking makes this banana bread with a crunchy top amazing! Trust me, slather butter on a warm slice of this churro banana bread when it comes out of the oven.  

1. Prep the pan. Spray a 9x5 loaf pan with nonstick spray and coat it with one tablespoon of cinnamon sugar.
2. Mix the wet ingredients. Beat the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Mix again with eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
3. Add the dry ingredients. Stir the flour, baking soda, and salt gently into the banana mixture until combined.
4. Assemble and bake. Spread the banana bread batter in the prepared pan. Add more spiced sugar to the top of the bread, so it can bake up sweet and crunchy.

BruCrew Tip: Enjoy a slice of this perfect banana bread with a salted caramel mocha.

Banana Bread Variations

We're all about adding extra ingredients to take our moist banana bread to the next level. Mix and match some of these options to create something deliciously unique! You can add ½ cup-¾ cup of your desired mix-in. 

• Chocolate Chips - Use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, dark, cinnamon, or peanut butter chips.
• Dried Fruits or Veggies - Cranberries, zucchini, pineapple, carrots, raisins.
• Nuts - Walnuts, pecans, almonds.
• Candy - Toffee bits, candy bars, sprinkles.
• Cookies - Chop up your favorite cookies and stir them into the batter.
• Brown Sugar - Gives the cinnamon banana bread a richer caramel flavor.

Storage Recommendations

On the Counter - Store the banana bread in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

In the Refrigerator - Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the fridge where it can be kept for 4-6 days. Reheat slices of bread in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

In the Freezer -  Tightly wrap the sweet bread in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or place it on the counter for a few hours.

Tips and Tricks

• Want the best banana bread ever? Make sure your bananas are perfectly ripened with brown spots. Trust me, the sweeter the banana, the moister the bread.
• Make sure to mash up those bananas before you toss them into the batter! A fork and plate are all you need for this.
• Do not overmix the batter because that can cause it to become dense and gummy as the bread bakes.
• Add some pizzazz to your bread! Before pouring in the batter, coat your bread pan with a tasty mix of cinnamon and sugar. Your bread will come out of the oven with a delightful crunch on the sides you'll love.
• Cover the pan with aluminum foil if the top of the bread is browning too much. Loosely tent it over the top so it doesn't burn.
• Once your bread is baked, keep it in the hot pan for 10 minutes. This rest time is important because the bread keeps cooking even though it's out of the oven.
• Let the banana bread cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting it. This will give it enough time to set up so it won't fall apart when you slice it.

FAQs

More Banana Bread

• Funfetti Bread
• Banana Pineapple Bread
• Oreo Bread
• Skinny Banana Bread
• Almond Banana Bread

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*This recipe was first published in April 2021. It was updated and republished in September 2023.