Introduction
Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors! This Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread is a warm, aromatic treat that combines the best of both worlds—soft, moist banana bread enriched with the sweet, spicy goodness of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Get ready to indulge in the rich, buttery aroma that fills your kitchen while this fantastic bread bakes!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they reach a smooth consistency, filled with natural sweetness.
- Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas and stir until well combined, creating a rich mixture.
- Add the baking soda and a pinch of salt to the banana mixture, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and the beaten egg, ensuring everything is well blended.
- Gradually add the sugar and flour, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create a delightful swirl mixture.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over this first layer of batter for that lovely, sweet contrast.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and gently spread it out before sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon mixture over the top.
- Use a knife to swirl the topping into the batter lightly. This will create those wonderful, beautiful swirls!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, giving you that perfect, golden brown finish.
- Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For best results, use overripe bananas as they provide natural sweetness and moisture. If you’d like to add more depth of flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Storing leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe is a fantastic way to practice your banana bread-making skills! Ensure your butter is completely melted but not boiling to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely. Swirling the cinnamon mixture into the batter can be a fun technique; just remember not to overdo it! You want those beautiful swirls, not a fully combined mixture.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How do I know when the bread is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Now that your kitchen is filled with the warm scent of cinnamon and bananas, you are ready to slice into this heavenly Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this recipe is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!