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 medium 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: Classic Baking Collection

I absolutely love baking banana bread, especially when it’s topped with a sweet and crunchy cinnamon sugar mix. This recipe gives you a soft, moist loaf that's incredibly fragrant, thanks to the ripe bananas and cinnamon. Each bite is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert. Plus, it’s an easy one-bowl recipe, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy this delicious bread with family and friends.

Created by

Nola Patterson

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:06:35.559Z

Baking this banana bread always brings back fond memories of my childhood. I used to help my grandmother in the kitchen, mashing bananas and measuring out ingredients. The aroma that fills my home during baking is just incredible! I often add a handful of walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor, but the cinnamon sugar topping is truly what makes this recipe shine.

The key to achieving that perfect texture is using very ripe bananas. They not only add natural sweetness but also moisture, making the bread irresistibly soft. I usually let my bananas sit on the counter until they’re well speckled; this process is worth the wait!

        Why You'll Love This Banana Bread
        Moist and soft texture that's perfect for any time of day
A delightful crunch from the cinnamon sugar topping
Uses simple ingredients you likely have at home

      

Perfecting Your Banana Bread

The key to a truly moist banana bread lies in the ripeness of your bananas. Look for bananas that have plenty of brown spots or are almost all brown. This ripeness not only adds sweetness but also brings a rich flavor that cannot be matched by unripe bananas. If you don't have ripe bananas on hand, you can hasten the process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, you can bake unripe bananas at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and brown.

When mixing your ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread rather than the desired light and airy texture. Stir until you just see the flour disappear. It's okay if the batter has a few lumps; they will bake out. For an even softer texture, you might consider folding in an additional tablespoon or two of yogurt or sour cream, adding moisture and richness to your bread.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping Tips

The cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful contrast to the moistness of the banana bread. To achieve an even coating, ensure that your butter is melted but not too hot; it should be cool enough to prevent the sugar from dissolving. This method will create a crunchy texture on top that balances the softness of the bread. Feel free to adjust the ratios of sugar to cinnamon based on your taste preference—some like a sweeter topping, while others prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor.

If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. You can use walnuts, pecans, or even cacao nibs for a chocolate twist. Just be mindful of their weight; too many chunky additions can affect how well the bread rises. A good rule of thumb is to keep any additions to no more than 1/2 cup.

Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients to get started:

For the Banana Bread

3 medium 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

Combine these ingredients to create a delightful treat!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your banana bread:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, stir in the flour until just incorporated.

Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.

Bake the Banana Bread

Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked banana bread!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.

Storing and Freezing

Once your banana bread has completely cooled, it's crucial to store it properly to maintain its moisture. Wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Slice the bread before freezing so you can easily take out individual slices as needed. Use parchment paper between the slices to prevent sticking and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick treat.

Baked banana bread can also be revitalized slightly in the oven. For a warm slice, simply heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back its just-baked aroma and softness. For an extra touch, you might even spread a little butter on top before reheating to give it a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Enjoy it plain, or add a smear of butter or cream cheese for a richer flavor. For a more indulgent breakfast, top it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Pair it with yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced meal. If you're hosting a brunch, consider serving sliced banana bread alongside coffee or tea for a comforting spread.

For those who love experimenting, you can transform banana bread into French toast! Simply slice the chilled loaf, dip it into a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a dash of vanilla, then cook it on a griddle until golden brown. Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a drizzle of syrup for a fabulous twist on a classic breakfast dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I know when the banana bread is done?

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

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.