Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is a delicious twist on the classic banana bread, blending the warm cinnamon-sugar flavors of snickerdoodles with the moist sweetness of ripe bananas. This cozy loaf is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, offering a soft texture with a delightful cinnamon sugar swirl that bakes right into the bread.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is truly irresistible for several reasons:
- Combines the best of banana bread and snickerdoodle cookies for rich, comforting flavors.
- Features a cinnamon sugar swirl that adds sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Moist and tender texture thanks to ripe bananas and yogurt or sour cream.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it easy to bake.
- Perfect for any occasion, from a quick breakfast to a sweet afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- Butter (for greasing the loaf pan)
- 1 1/4 cup sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter, cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan with butter.
- Combine ½ cup sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon; sprinkle some inside the loaf pan to coat it.
- In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas and melted butter. Add remaining sugar, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the remaining cinnamon sugar over it. Pour the rest of the batter, then top with the remaining cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before removing from the pan and slicing.
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is a cozy loaf with a cinnamon sugar swirl, moist banana bread texture, and classic snickerdoodle flavor.
Ingredients
- Butter, for greasing loaf pan
- 1 1/4 cup sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter, cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan with butter.
2. Combine ½ cup sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon; sprinkle some inside the loaf pan to coat it.
3. In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas and melted butter. Add remaining sugar, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla; mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the remaining cinnamon sugar over it. Pour the rest of the batter, then top with the remaining cinnamon sugar.
6. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before removing from the pan and slicing.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and moisture.
Greek yogurt or sour cream adds richness and keeps the bread moist.
Let the bread cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
How to Serve Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread shines when served fresh, warm, and sliced. You can enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning or afternoon treat.
For a delightful breakfast, serve with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit on the side. For dessert, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm cinnamon flavors. You can also toast slices lightly to bring out its aroma and add a bit of crunch.
This bread can be sliced and served in small portions at brunches or gatherings as a sweet snack that guests will love. Its cinnamon sugar swirl makes it visually appealing on a serving platter.
How to Store Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
To keep your Snickerdoodle Banana Bread fresh:
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
- Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days; this preserves the moist texture.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving.
- To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then warm slightly before enjoying.
- Avoid storing in direct sunlight or humid places to prevent sogginess or molding.
Tips to Make Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; combine ingredients until just blended to keep the bread tender.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream adds moisture and slightly tangy richness—don’t skip it.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to mix evenly into the batter.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, add cinnamon chips or a cinnamon sugar topping before baking.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness; the bread is done when the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Variations of Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Stir in chocolate chips for a chocolate-cinnamon combo.
- Replace some flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, healthier twist.
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of some sugar for richer sweetness.
- Swirl in cream cheese before baking for a luscious filling.
- Make mini loaf versions or muffins for easy grab-and-go snacks.
For inspiration on other banana bread recipes, check out these great ideas:
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen bananas work well if thawed and mashed thoroughly before use.
Q: Can I substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream?
A: Absolutely, sour cream adds similar moisture and richness to the bread.
Q: How do I keep the cinnamon sugar swirl from sinking?
A: Adding the cinnamon sugar in layers halfway through batter pouring helps keep it evenly distributed.
Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A: You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is the perfect cozy bake when you want something familiar yet a little special, blending classic banana sweetness with a nostalgic cinnamon sugar twist that feels like a hug in loaf form. With simple pantry staples, it delivers a tender crumb, a fragrant swirl, and a beautiful golden top that looks just as good on a brunch table as it does in a lunchbox.
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