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 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 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love baking this banana bread with a cinnamon sugar topping because it's a family favorite that always brings smiles. The moist texture combined with the sweet, crunchy topping makes it an indulgent treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. I typically make it on weekends when I have a bit more time to enjoy the process, and the aroma of bananas and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen is hard to resist. What’s even better is that it’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:21:35.344Z

Baking banana bread has always been a cherished activity for me. I remember the first time I tried adding a cinnamon sugar topping; it transformed the loaf into something truly special. The method of creaming the butter and sugar together before adding the bananas really helps to incorporate air, resulting in a fluffy texture.

One tip I've learned is to slightly underbake the bread; it continues to cook from residual heat and keeps the loaf perfectly moist. Each slice is enhanced by that sweet, crunchy topping, making it irresistible. I can't wait to share this with everyone!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and fluffy texture that's hard to resist
Sweet and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

      

Mastering the Banana Mash

The foundation of a delicious banana bread lies in the quality of the bananas you choose. Make sure to use ripe, speckled bananas—they should be soft to the touch. This not only enhances the natural sweetness but also ensures a moist texture after baking. If you're short on time, you can speed up the ripening process by placing bananas in a brown paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.

When mashing the bananas, aim for a smooth consistency without any large chunks. This allows the bananas to blend seamlessly into the batter, resulting in a more uniform crumb. Use a fork for a rustic touch or a potato masher for quicker results. Just remember, the mashing should be thorough, as small bits of banana can lead to uneven baking.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping Techniques

The cinnamon sugar topping not only adds an appealing crunchy texture but also elevates the flavor profile of the banana bread. Mixing the sugar and cinnamon thoroughly is key; this ensures every bite has that perfect cinnamon twist without any overly sweet patches. I prefer using a teaspoon of fresh, high-quality cinnamon for a richer taste, but feel free to opt for the ground cinnamon you have on hand.

For an added twist, consider mixing in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the batter or even in the topping for an extra crunch. Just remember that if you add nuts, their weight might slightly change the baking time, so keep an eye on doneness by using the toothpick test.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious banana bread with a hint of cinnamon.

Ingredients

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 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Make sure all your ingredients are prepared before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your banana bread.

Prepare the Oven and Pan

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, then add the baking soda and salt. Mix thoroughly.

Combine Sugar and Egg

Add the sugar to the banana mixture, followed by the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Stir well until fully combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour to the wet mixture and stir just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix.

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon.

Transfer to Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.

Bake

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

Cool and Serve

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

Enjoy your freshly baked banana bread!

Pro Tips

For an added flavor twist, consider folding in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze individual pieces in a zip-top bag. This is perfect for those grab-and-go breakfasts or as a quick afternoon snack. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warmed.

If you've baked a loaf and want to enjoy it later, consider waiting until it's completely cooled before wrapping it for storage. This prevents condensation from forming, which could lead to soggy bread. You can also revive leftover banana bread by toasting slices lightly; this enhances the texture and gives it a delightful warmth.

Variations to Try

While this banana bread is delightful as is, exploring variations can keep things exciting. For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut or chopped pineapple to the batter, which pairs beautifully with the banana flavor. Alternatively, stir in some chocolate chips for a sweet treat that turns breakfast into dessert.

Another variation to consider is substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added nutritional benefits. Just remember, this could make the bread denser, so if you prefer a lighter texture, you might want to stick to all-purpose flour or use a blend.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them beforehand and drain any excess liquid.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for a week.

→ Can I make mini loaves instead?

Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to about 30-35 minutes for mini loaves.

→ What's the best way to check if my banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!