Name: Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium Ripe Bananas (opt for bananas with brown spots for best flavor); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can substitute with half whole wheat for denser texture); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (can use honey or maple syrup for lighter sweetness); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (enhances moisture and adds depth of flavor); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (helps the loaf rise and keeps it light); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (balances sweetness and boosts flavor); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (the star flavor component); 2 large Eggs (can substitute with a flax egg for vegan option); 1/2 cup Butter (or plant-based substitute for dairy-free); 1/2 cup Milk (or non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk); 2 tablespoons Sugar for Topping (optional but recommended for crunch and sweetness); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (to mix with sugar for topping)

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Introduction

Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is a cozy twist on the classic banana bread, infused with warm cinnamon and a delightful sugar topping that echoes the beloved snickerdoodle cookie. Perfect for using overripe bananas, this moist and flavorful treat is great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

A close-up image of a loaf of banana bread on a black board, with one slice partially separated at the front. The banana bread has one main layer, showing a moist, light brown inside with visible small darker specks and a darker golden-brown crust on the edges. The top of the bread is textured with craggy ridges dusted lightly with granulated sugar, creating a sparkling effect. In the foreground, slightly out of focus, there are pieces of banana, and in the background, two ripe yellow bananas rest against a bowl of dark dipping sauce. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 medium ripe bananas (preferably with brown spots)
2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute half with whole wheat)
3/4 cup granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup for lighter sweetness)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs (or flax egg for vegan option)
1/2 cup butter (or plant-based substitute)
1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative such as almond or oat milk)
2 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth with a few small lumps for texture.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and milk, then blend this mixture into the mashed bananas.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, mixing well.
Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 7: If desired, sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top for that classic snickerdoodle crunch.
Step 8: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Use heavily spotted or overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
To make it vegan, substitute eggs with a flax egg and use a non-dairy milk and plant-based butter.
Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier, nuttier loaf.
Try a drizzle of maple syrup or a simple vanilla glaze on top once cooled for added sweetness.
Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense, tough bread.

Storage

Store Snickerdoodle Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture. For longer freshness, refrigerate it well-wrapped for up to one week. To freeze, wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for a cozy treat.

How to Serve

A single loaf cake with a light golden-brown crust and a rough, crumbly top coated with granulated sugar and cinnamon is shown. The cake is cut to reveal a moist, dense inside with small dark specks evenly spread throughout. The bottom edge has a slightly darker crust. The loaf is placed on a black plate with some crumbs scattered around, and sliced bananas can be partly seen next to it. The background features a soft, blurred white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of bananas should I use for the best Snickerdoodle Banana Bread?

For the sweetest and most moist bread, use overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots or even blackened skin. The riper they are, the better the flavor and moisture.

How should I store Snickerdoodle Banana Bread to keep it fresh?

Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate wrapped tightly to prevent drying out, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I freeze Snickerdoodle Banana Bread? If so, how?

Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

What should I do if my banana bread turns out dense?

Dense bread often results from overmixing the batter. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh as its leavening helps the bread rise and stay light.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe, such as allergies?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly. For gluten sensitivities, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Vegans can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy milk and butter alternatives. Always check ingredients for allergens.

Can I add nuts or other toppings to my Snickerdoodle Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut can add texture and flavor. Just be sure not to overload the batter to maintain a good rise and texture.