Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe

Few things feel as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked banana bread. Now, imagine combining that classic warmth with the cinnamon-sugar magic of snickerdoodles. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf with a soft crumb and a crackly, spiced crust: snickerdoodle banana bread. This recipe takes the best of both worlds—the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the nostalgic flavor of snickerdoodles—and fuses them into one irresistible treat. Whether you bake it for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or as a thoughtful gift, this bread will impress every time.

Ingredients

Here is the full list of ingredients you’ll need to make one 9×5-inch loaf:

For the Bread:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups / 360 g)
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step ensures a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mashed bananas, then mix until smooth. Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt).

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in two parts, gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft.

Step 6: Assemble and Add Topping

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it. Add the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar. Swirl lightly with a knife for a marbled effect if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Conservation and Storage

Proper storage keeps the bread moist and flavorful:

• Room temperature: Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week, tightly wrapped.
• Freezer: Wrap the cooled loaf or slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat slices in a toaster oven.

Variations

This recipe is versatile. Try these simple twists:

• Chocolate Chip Version: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
• Glazed Loaf: Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk once cooled.
• Cinnamon Swirl Muffins: Divide the batter into muffin tins for a quicker bake (20–25 minutes).
• Brown Butter Upgrade: Use browned butter instead of softened butter for a deeper, nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Snickerdoodle banana bread shines on its own, but you can elevate it with thoughtful pairings:

• Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with a pat of salted butter or cream cheese.
• Afternoon Snack: Pair with coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa.
• Dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Gift Idea: Wrap in parchment and twine for a homemade present.

Conclusion

Snickerdoodle banana bread combines the moist sweetness of classic banana bread with the cinnamon-sugar crunch of a snickerdoodle cookie. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and fits every occasion from casual breakfasts to elegant desserts. With proper storage, variations to suit your taste, and creative serving ideas, this recipe becomes more than just a loaf of bread—it becomes a versatile staple you’ll return to often.