Description
A moist and rich twist on classic banana bread, topped with caramelized banana halves for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or sharing at brunch.
Ingredients
1⅔ cups (209 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1⅛ cups (255 g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
¾ cup (165 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
⅓ cup plus 2 teaspoons (86 g) unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup (60 g) sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramelized Banana Topping:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
1 medium banana, halved lengthwise
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare an 8½×4½-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas, brown sugar, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well-blended.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture without overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- For the topping: melt butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Press brown sugar onto the cut sides of banana halves.
- Place bananas cut-side down in the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until caramelized. Flip and cook 2 more minutes.
- Gently place the caramelized banana halves, cut-side up, on top of the batter in the loaf pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Mini chocolate chips make it extra indulgent.
Skip the topping and sprinkle brown sugar for a sweet crust if needed.
Use plant-based yogurt and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a toaster oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
