Snickerdoodle banana bread is a delightful twist on two classic treats: banana bread and snickerdoodles. It brings together the moist, sweet, and soft texture of banana bread with the warm, spiced flavor of snickerdoodles. The blending of ripe bananas with rich cinnamon creates a cozy and comforting loaf that is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it accessible for both experienced bakers and those new to the kitchen. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn what makes this recipe so special, how to make it step by step, and discover answers to common questions about baking this delicious bread.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons you will fall in love with snickerdoodle banana bread. First, it is incredibly moist and has a wonderful texture from the ripe bananas. The addition of cinnamon not only enhances the flavor but also creates a warm and inviting smell as it bakes. Second, this recipe is perfect for using overripe bananas that you may have sitting on your counter. Instead of tossing them out, you can turn them into a delicious treat that friends and family will enjoy.
Additionally, the cinnamon-sugar topping adds a crunchy, sweet finish that makes each slice even more enjoyable. It is a crowd-pleaser and can be served at any occasion. Whether you want to brighten up your breakfast table or treat yourself to something special, this bread is a fantastic choice. It is easy to make, and you can even involve your kids in the mixing process, making it a fun family activity. With every slice, you will love the combination of flavors and the comfort that comes from this homemade goodness.
HOW TO MAKE Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
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
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it is hot enough to bake the bread evenly. Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher. You want them to be smooth with few lumps.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir these together until well combined and smooth.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk the dry ingredients until they are well mixed.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin with the dry ingredients, then add a little milk, stirring after each addition. Continue until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top to make it even.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Evenly sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, take the bread out and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice & Enjoy: Once the bread has cooled, slice it and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of snickerdoodle banana bread!
HOW TO SERVE Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
Snickerdoodle banana bread is deliciously versatile. You can serve it plain, as is, or add a spread like butter or cream cheese for extra richness. If you want something more indulgent, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. This bread can also be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great choice for brunch or an afternoon snack.
Another fun way to enjoy it is to make a French toast out of the slices. Just dip the bread in a mixture of eggs and milk, then cook it on a griddle for a delicious twist on traditional French toast. Your family and friends will love the new take!
STORAGE & FREEZING : Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
To store your snickerdoodle banana bread, make sure it cools completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, consider placing it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you have leftover slices or if you want to make the bread ahead of time, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours before serving. You can also reheat individual slices in a toaster or microwave.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
While snickerdoodle banana bread is fantastic on its own, there are a few serving suggestions that can elevate your experience. Here are some ideas:
- With Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on top of a slice for added protein and flavor.
- Topped with Fruit: Add fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or bananas, for a fresh twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Just before serving, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a sweet, decadent touch.
- As a Dessert: Serve warm slices with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat that everyone will love.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to customize your snickerdoodle banana bread to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for a sweeter bread.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in some raisins or dried cranberries for added flavor and chewiness.
- Zucchini or Applesauce: Substitute some of the bananas with grated zucchini or applesauce for a different flavor profile.
Experimenting with different flavors will give you a unique twist on this classic recipe!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Frozen bananas work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to double the ingredients and use two loaf pans. Just remember that the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
What can I do if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the amount of salt added in the recipe slightly.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
To make your baking process easier, here are some tips for preparing snickerdoodle banana bread ahead of time:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: You can mix the dry ingredients a day or two before you plan to bake. Store them in an airtight container.
- Mash Bananas in Advance: Mash the bananas and store them in the fridge for a day prior to baking.
- Make the Batter Ahead: You can prepare the batter and keep it in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before pouring it into the loaf pan.
- Freezing for Later: As mentioned earlier, you can freeze the baked bread for future enjoyment. Just make sure it is well wrapped to keep its freshness.
With these tips, baking snickerdoodle banana bread can be a breeze! You can enjoy this delightful treat any time, even on busy days.
PrintSnickerdoodle Banana Bread
A delightful twist on two classic treats, combining the moist texture of banana bread with the spiced flavor of snickerdoodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl.
- Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bananas and mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping and sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Serve plain or with butter, cream cheese, or ice cream. It can also be enjoyed as French toast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: snickerdoodle, banana bread, dessert, baking, comfort food
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
A delightful twist on banana bread and snickerdoodles, combining moist banana bread with warm cinnamon flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes