Introduction
There’s something truly heartwarming about a slice of Snickerdoodle Banana Bread, especially when it fills your kitchen with the fragrant aroma of cinnamon and sugar. This delightful twist on classic banana bread incorporates the comforting, spiced taste of snickerdoodles, making it the perfect treat for brunch or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Cinnamon sugar for topping (1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the all-purpose flour and nuts (if using) until no streaks of flour remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes or Tips
- Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Feel free to substitute the chopped nuts with chocolate chips for a different twist.
- This loaf freezes beautifully; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Cooking Techniques
For this recipe, creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy is crucial for achieving a tender loaf. Incorporating the dry ingredients just until combined will help prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dense texture.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, just ensure they are thawed and well-mashed.
- How should I store the banana bread? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
This Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is a scrumptious way to enjoy ripe bananas, blending the best of both worlds into every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging solo, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!