Baking can be one of the most satisfying activities in the kitchen. It fills your home with delicious smells and brings family and friends together. One fantastic option to try is Snickerdoodle Banana Bread. This delightful twist on traditional banana bread combines the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavor of snickerdoodles with moist, sweet banana bread. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. This recipe is simple, and you most likely have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. Let’s dive into why you should make this wonderful recipe.
Why Make This Recipe
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is not just another banana bread recipe; it has a unique flavor profile that makes it stand out. Here are some reasons to consider making this dish:
Delicious Flavor: The mixture of ripe bananas and cinnamon makes for a lovely sweet and spicy flavor experience. The addition of the cinnamon-sugar topping gives every slice a crunchy and sweet finish.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in about an hour. If you have children or guests, they can help with mashing bananas and mixing ingredients, making it a fun family activity.
Uses Ripe Bananas: If you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, this recipe is a great way to use them up. Instead of letting them go to waste, turn them into something utterly delightful.
Perfect Texture: The combination of ingredients gives the bread a soft and moist interior while retaining a beautiful outer crust thanks to the cinnamon-sugar topping.
Versatile: This banana bread can be enjoyed warm, room temperature, or even toasted with butter. It’s a versatile recipe that fits any time of day.
Now that you know why this recipe is worth trying, let’s find out how to make Snickerdoodle Banana Bread.
How to Make Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
Ingredients
To make Snickerdoodle Banana Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup milk
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make your banana bread:
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important for even baking.
Prepare your loaf pan: Grease and flour a loaf pan. If you prefer, you can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas well. The softer the bananas, the better they will blend into the batter.
Mix wet ingredients: Into the bowl of mashed bananas, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is nicely combined.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will ensure that the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet banana mixture. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to prevent lumps. Mix until just combined. Do not over-mix.
Pour the batter: Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Make the cinnamon-sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the banana bread batter.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs), your bread is ready.
Cool down: Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and enjoy: Once cool, slice the banana bread. It can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even toasted with a bit of butter.
How to Serve Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Breakfast: Serve it as a quick breakfast option paired with coffee or tea.
- Snack: Perfect for a mid-day snack, this bread will keep you satisfied until your next meal.
- Dessert: A slice could be a great dessert, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Gifts: Wrap a loaf in cellophane with a pretty ribbon and give it as a gift for holidays, birthdays, or housewarmings.
- Toppings: Try spreading cream cheese frosting or butter on top for extra flavor.
How to Store Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
Storing banana bread properly can keep it fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Allow the bread to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a cool, dry place. It should last for about 3-4 days.
Refrigerator: If you live in a warm climate or wish to keep it for longer, store the wrapped loaf in the refrigerator. It should remain good for up to a week in the fridge, though it may dry out slightly.
Freezer: To keep it for an extended period, you can freeze the banana bread. Slice the bread first, and wrap each slice in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Store it in a freezer bag. It can last for up to 3 months. Thaw by leaving it at room temperature or microwaving a slice for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can result in dense bread. Mix until just combined.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: If possible, use eggs and butter that are at room temperature. This helps them mix better.
- Check Your Oven: All ovens are different. Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes to prevent over-browning.
- Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: For more texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
Variation
While Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is delicious as is, there are several variations to keep it exciting:
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Twist: Mix in chocolate chips to give the banana bread a rich chocolaty flavor.
- Fruit Flavors: Consider adding chopped apples or pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.
- Spiced Up: Feel free to add nutmeg or cloves for an extra layer of spice.
FAQs
Can I make this banana bread without eggs?
Yes! You can use substitutes like unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water to bind the ingredients together.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How can I tell if my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it is done. If it has wet batter on it, give it more time in the oven.
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines two popular flavors into one easy-to-make dish. Enjoy baking!
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas well.
- Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl of mashed bananas and stir until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping, and sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy warm, at room temperature, or toasted with butter.