Moist Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe

Fluffy Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch Topping Recipe

Bananas hanging on the counter spark culinary magic when transformed into a moist cinnamon crunch banana bread that melts hearts.

Overripe fruit becomes the secret weapon for creating an irresistible treat.

The kitchen fills with warmth and sweet aromas as butter, sugar, and ripe bananas blend into a smooth batter.

Crunchy cinnamon streusel adds a delightful texture that makes each slice extraordinary.

Simple ingredients combine to create something far beyond an ordinary quick bread.

Layers of flavor dance across your palate with every single bite.

One slice will have everyone asking for your recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s Inside the Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and backbone to the bread, choose unbleached for better texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps bread rise and creates a soft, tender crumb, ensure it's fresh for maximum leavening.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the bread, opt for fresh, high-quality Ceylon cinnamon.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, use room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel notes and keeps bread moist, choose dark brown for intense flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure, use large, room temperature eggs.
  • Vanilla Extract: Boosts overall flavor complexity, pure vanilla works best.
  • Ripe Bananas: Contribute natural sweetness and moisture, select very soft, speckled bananas.
  • Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and creates tender crumb, full-fat versions recommended.
For Cinnamon Crunch Topping:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates crunchy, caramelized layer with contrasting textures.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Intensifies spice profile, freshly ground preferred.
  • Melted Butter: Helps topping bind and creates crispy finish.

Bakeware & Tools for Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients together.
  • Small bowl: Used for creating the delicious cinnamon crunch topping.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients without lumps.
  • 9×5-inch loaf pan: Crucial for baking the bread to the right shape.
  • Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and easy removal.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient amounts.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows bread to cool evenly without getting soggy.
  • Toothpick: Helps check if the bread is fully baked.

Steps to Bake Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

  • Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees, creating the perfect environment for your banana bread adventure.

  • Prep Your Baking Vessel

Grab your loaf pan and give it a quick spray or line it with parchment paper, ensuring your bread won’t stick.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl, creating a smooth powder blend.

  • Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until they dance together smoothly.

  • Marry Banana and Creamy Elements

Fold in mashed bananas and sour cream, stirring until everything looks harmonious and well-acquainted.

  • Gently Blend Mixtures

Softly incorporate dry ingredients into wet, being careful not to overwork the batter – treat it tenderly.

  • Create Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it becomes a delightful crumbly mixture.

  • Fill and Top the Pan

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon crunch topping generously.

  • Bake to Perfection

Send your creation into the oven for 50-60 minutes, watching for a golden finish and checking with a toothpick.

  • Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips to Make Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Even Better

  • Smart Swaps and Baking Hacks: Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread
  • Ingredient Substitution Magic: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein boost, or use buttermilk for extra tenderness. Dairy-free? Coconut yogurt works perfectly.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for a fresh-baked taste anytime.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly baking. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients.
  • Texture Perfection Trick: Ensure ripe bananas by looking for completely brown or black peels – they'll provide maximum sweetness and moisture to your bread.
  • Nutty Flavor Boost: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch and a delightful nutty dimension. Toast the nuts briefly for an intensified flavor profile.

How to Serve Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm banana bread with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
  • Dessert Transformation: Slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner dessert.
  • Snack Time Delight: Pack individual slices in lunch boxes or wrap in parchment paper for a sweet midday pick-me-up that's perfect for school or work.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Create a beautiful brunch spread by arranging slices on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Storing Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Properly

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture for 3-4 days at room temperature.
  • Chilled Delight Technique: Refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to one week, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing quick staleness.
  • Freezing Magic Method: Slice the bread before freezing, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen banana bread stays delicious for 2-3 months.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm refrigerated or thawed slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven to restore that fresh-baked texture and warmth.
Print
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Moist Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe

Moist Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon crunch banana bread delivers a delightful twist on classic comfort baking. Crisp cinnamon streusel topping and moist banana interior create an irresistible treat you’ll crave with morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsps ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 1 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Position the rack centrally and preheat to 350F (175C), ensuring uniform heat distribution for perfect baking.
  2. Pan Setup: Thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper to guarantee effortless bread removal.
  3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl until perfectly blended, creating a uniform dry foundation.
  4. Wet Ingredient Harmonization: In a large bowl, vigorously combine melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until achieving a luxurious, silky consistency.
  5. Banana Integration: Fold mashed ripe bananas and sour cream into the wet mixture, stirring until achieving a smooth, cohesive texture that promises rich moisture.
  6. Batter Composition: Gently incorporate dry ingredients into the banana mixture using delicate folding techniques to preserve the bread’s tender crumb and prevent overmixing.
  7. Crunch Topping Creation: Mix sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until forming a delectable, crumbly mixture that promises textural excitement.
  8. Baking Preparation: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly and generously sprinkling the cinnamon crunch topping for a tantalizing exterior.
  9. Baking Process: Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
  10. Cooling and Serving: Rest the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, allowing flavors to develop and settle before slicing and enjoying.

Notes

  • Banana Ripeness Matters: Use overripe bananas with dark, spotted peels for maximum sweetness and moisture in the bread.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Fold dry ingredients gently into wet mixture to maintain a tender, soft crumb and avoid dense, tough texture.
  • Topping Distribution Technique: Sprinkle cinnamon crunch topping evenly, pressing lightly to help it adhere during baking for consistent crunch.
  • Check Baking Doneness: Use the toothpick test near the center; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 245
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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