There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen, and when you add a sweet, cinnamon crumb topping, it becomes an irresistible treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or simply craving a warm, flavorful snack, Cinnamon Crumb Banana Bread is the perfect answer. With its rich, moist interior, combined with a crunchy cinnamon topping, this banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your household.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this indulgent yet easy recipe. From the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, plus some helpful tips for perfecting your loaf, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also discuss storage, variations, and ways to serve this delicious banana bread to make it even more memorable.
Ingredients
This cinnamon crumb banana bread recipe requires simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. The combination of bananas, butter, and cinnamon creates a comforting balance of sweetness and spice. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
These ingredients create a flavorful, moist banana bread, with the perfect crumbly topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
Instructions
Making cinnamon crumb banana bread is straightforward, but there are a few key steps to ensure your bread comes out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal once baked.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, peel the bananas and use a fork to mash them until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps left—those will add texture to the bread. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana, which should be roughly 3 ripe bananas.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help the bread rise uniformly.
Step 5: Fold the Dry Ingredients Into the Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; this can result in a dense loaf. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy, but fully combined.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set the topping aside.
Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Step 8: Add the Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the cinnamon crumb topping evenly over the batter, ensuring that the entire loaf is covered with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced crumbs.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The cinnamon crumb topping will turn golden brown and slightly crisp, while the banana bread will be moist and tender inside.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help the loaf firm up, making it easier to slice without falling apart. Once cooled, slice the bread into thick, generous slices and enjoy!
Conservation and Storage
Cinnamon crumb banana bread is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry—this banana bread stores well!
Room Temperature Storage:
If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
Refrigeration:
For longer storage, refrigerate the bread. Wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. The cold temperature will help preserve its freshness.
Freezing:
If you want to keep the banana bread for even longer, you can freeze it! To freeze, slice the bread and wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag or airtight container. The bread will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave the slices at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Variations
One of the great things about banana bread is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations you can try to switch things up:
1. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Crumb Banana Bread:
Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a sweet, melty surprise inside each slice. The combination of cinnamon, banana, and chocolate is irresistible.
2. Nutty Banana Bread:
For added texture and crunch, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. The nuts will add a satisfying bite and complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the cinnamon crumb topping.
3. Healthy Banana Bread:
Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a slightly denser, more nutritious loaf. You can also replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. For an even healthier version, swap the butter with coconut oil or applesauce.
4. Spiced Banana Bread:
For an extra kick, try adding 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg along with the cinnamon in the batter. These spices will give the bread a warm, spiced flavor perfect for fall or winter.
Serving Suggestions
Banana bread can be enjoyed in many ways, making it a great option for any occasion. Here are some ideas to serve it:
1. For Breakfast:
Serve a warm slice of banana bread with a dollop of peanut butter or cream cheese for a filling, nutritious breakfast.
2. As a Snack:
Slice up the bread and enjoy it as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon.
3. As a Dessert:
For a decadent dessert, top a slice of banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
4. As a Gift:
Banana bread makes a wonderful homemade gift. Wrap the loaf in parchment paper, tie it with a ribbon, and present it in a gift box for a thoughtful treat.
Conclusion
Cinnamon crumb banana bread is a delightful and versatile treat that brings together the natural sweetness of bananas with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, it’s sure to please everyone who takes a bite. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple preparation process, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations, and be sure to store any leftovers properly so you can enjoy this cozy bread for days to come.
Make a loaf of cinnamon crumb banana bread today and fill your home with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and bananas!
Print
Cinnamon Crumb Banana Bread: A Cozy, Flavorful Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked banana bread, especially when it’s topped with a sweet cinnamon crumb topping. This Cinnamon Crumb Banana Bread features a moist, banana-packed interior, paired with a cinnamon-sugar crumble on top that adds a delightful crunch. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread is guaranteed to be a hit in your household.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, peel the bananas and use a fork to mash them until smooth. It’s okay if there are some small lumps for added texture. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana, which is roughly 3 ripe bananas.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Add Dry to Wet Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf.
Make the Cinnamon Crumb Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms coarse crumbs.
Prepare the Pan:
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Add the Crumb Topping:
Sprinkle the cinnamon crumb topping evenly over the banana bread batter.
Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The topping should turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
Cool and Slice:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into thick pieces once cooled and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing Tip: To freeze, slice the bread, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw slices at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: cinnamon banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, cinnamon crumb topping, moist banana bread, homemade banana bread, banana bread with crumb topping
