This banana bread is truly something special! It’s soft, sweet, and bursting with banana flavor, all topped with a delightful cinnamon crunch. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Sometimes I can’t resist eating it warm from the oven. The smell alone is like a warm hug. 
Pair it with a cup of coffee, and you have a perfect treat to start your day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Three ripe bananas are key here for flavor and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. You can also use 1 cup of applesauce as a substitute for both flavor and moisture.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Both work well and still give a nice flavor.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used, but you can replace half with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. This will also make the bread slightly moister.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to leave them out or use chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Banana Bread Turns Out Perfectly?
Getting the texture just right is essential. First, mash the bananas until smooth—this helps them blend easily into the batter. When mixing, be gentle with the flour to avoid over-mixing, which can make the bread tough. Just mix until there are no dry patches!
- Preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- When adding the flour, fold it in gently until just combined to keep the bread fluffy.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready!
How to Make Amazing Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 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
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cinnamon Crunch Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 60 minutes to bake, plus a little time to cool. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with some cooking spray or butter so the banana bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Banana Bread Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and the mashed bananas. Give it a good stir! Next, add in the baking soda and a pinch of salt, mixing well. Then, pour in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Now, gently fold in the all-purpose flour and ground cinnamon into the banana mixture. Be careful not to over-mix; just stir until it’s combined! If you’re using walnuts or pecans, this is the time to fold those in, too. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
4. Make the Cinnamon Crunch Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together. Add in the cold butter pieces and use a fork to blend the mixture until it looks crumbly. Finally, stir in the rolled oats to add some extra crunch!
5. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the banana bread batter in the pan. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready!
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Once the banana bread is done baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up, and enjoy your delicious cinnamon crunch banana bread!
Can I Use Unsweetened Applesauce Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can replace the melted butter with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option! Use the same amount (1/3 cup) of applesauce to maintain the moisture in the banana bread, but keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and texture, making it a bit softer.
How Ripe Should My Bananas Be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even completely brown skins. Overripe bananas will ensure your banana bread is sweet and moist, enhancing the overall flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of nuts or have a nut allergy, simply omit them from the recipe. The banana bread will still turn out delicious and enjoyable!
How to Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any 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. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick warm-up!
