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Home » Cakes

Best Ever Banana Bread With Cinnamon Crunch

Published: Aug 14, 2023 · Modified: Mar 12, 2024 by Zoha · This post may contain affiliate links · 46 Comments

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I know the internet is brimming with banana bread recipes, and many claim to be the "best", but I can tell you that once you try by best ever banana bread recipe, you will forever be converted! This banana bread is truly incredible, with no-fuss ingredients and a simple method, but tastes absolutely divine.

It has the perfect amount of sweetness, a rich caramel-y banana flavor, a moist texture without being muddy or dense, and a cinnamon crunch topping which makes the crust even yummier than normal.

a loaf of banana bread on a white marble serving board with cinnamon crunch on top
overhead image of a loaf of banana bread with cinnamon crunch with 2 slices cut revealing moist interior

WHAT MAKES THIS THE BEST BANANA BREAD RECIPE

So what makes this recipe special? Here are the simple tweaks that make the biggest difference:

  • The butter is browned. I know this adds some minutes to the process, but it is well worth the effort. Browned butter adds a lovely caramelized, nutty flavor and aroma that works wonders in banana bread
  • The sugars are dissolved in the butter with the help of heat. Just like I do with my best browned butter chocolate chip cookies, I like to stir the sugars into the browned butter while still hot, on the lowest flame, for 1-2 minutes. This initiates a caramelization process for the sugars, and they also develop a nice caramelized flavor through this step. (note: we are not actually caramelizing the sugars, we are just stirring them into the butter on low heat for 1-2 minutes)
  • The recipe uses sour cream for added richness and moisture. Sour cream is a magic ingredient in cakes as it makes the batter riches without making it runnier, and the same is true for banana bread. It also reacts with the baking soda to give the banana bread a better rise
  • A cinnamon sugar mixture is sprinkled on top to give the crust a lovely crispy texture
sideimage of a loaf of banana bread with cinnamon crunch with 2 slices cut revealing moist interior

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Here's everything you will need to make this banana bread (scroll down to the recipe card for the exact quantities):

  • Unsalted butter
  • White sugar
  • Brown sugar - both light or dark will work
  • Eggs, cold - they can be replaced by flax seed eggs if you avoid real eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Extra ripe bananas - the spottier, the better!
  • All purpose flour - you can also replace this with 50/50 all purpose and whole wheat flour, but I like it best with all purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Sour cream - this will make your banana bread rich and moist! If you don't have any, you can use plain greek yogurt
  • Cinnamon powder - optional
ingredients needed to make the best banana bread

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST EVER BANANA BREAD

Check out this short video in which I have demonstrated how to make this banana bread:

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="6Wn8Z7vQ" upload-date="2023-08-23T22:21:44.000Z" name="Best Banana Bread" description="How to make the best browned butter banana bread" player-type="default" override-embed="default"]

First, preheat your oven to 350F (conventional) and prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper and butter / oil.

Place the butter in a nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Melt and stir until the butter browns - you will know when you see brown specks on the bottom of the pan and the butter develops a nutty aroma.

butter melted and foaming in a nonstick sauce pan
browned butter in a saucepan with a spatula stirring

Immediately turn the heat to the lowest setting and add the white and brown sugars. Stir on the lowest flame for 1-2 minutes until the sugars begin to dissolve in the butter (they won't completely dissolve - don't worry. The heat is activating their caramelization process, nothing else. Doing this for too long or at high heat will cause the sugar to crystallize, which we don't want).

white and brown sugar added to browned butter in a saucepan
rubber spatula stirring sugars into browned butter in a saucepan

Remove from heat and wait for 3-5 minutes. Then add the cold eggs and vanilla and whisk for 1-2 minutes until a really smooth, silky mixture is formed.

2 eggs added to a mixture of butter and sugar
eggs butter and sugar mixed into a silky mixture in a glass bowl

Mash the bananas in a separate bowl and add them to the batter, stirring to combine.

browned mushy bananas in a bowl
fork mashing bananas in a glass bowl
whisk mixing mashed bananas into banana bread batter

Next, sift in the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda and salt) and gently fold with a rubber spatula until combined. Lastly, fold in the sour cream, and your batter is ready!

banana bread batter with a whisk in a glass bowl

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, and sprinkle over the cinnamon sugar mixture (optional). And into the oven for ~50 or so minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. 

banana bread batter in a loaf pan with parchment paper
cinnamon sugar sprinkled over banana bread batter in a loaf pan
baked banana bread on a marble serving board with a cinnamon crunch topping

Serve and enjoy the best banana bread ever!!

fork taking a bite out of a moist slice of banana bread in a small plate

VARIATIONS

This is a great base banana bread recipe which you can spruce up in any way you like. Here are some ideas:

  • Turn it into banana cake instead of banana bread by baking in a 9" cake pan
  • Fold in chopped walnuts for a walnut banana bread. I recommend always toasting your nuts before adding them to cakes or breads as they taste infinitely better that way
  • Fold in chocolate chips or Nutella for a chocolate banana bread
  • Add peanut butter chips for a yummy peanut butter version. This is one of my favorites!
  • Add 2-4 tablespoon of espresso for a coffee banana bread
  • Replace the cinnamon sugar mixture on top with a cinnamon streusel mixture for a proper crumb
  • And so on!!
nutella smeared onto a slice of banana bread in a small plate

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

You can replace it with greek yogurt, or make your own sour cream at home using cream, milk and lemon juice

How can I replace eggs in banana bread?

You can replace the eggs with flax seed eggs. For 2 eggs, mix 2 tablespoon ground flax seeds with 6 tablespoon of water, stir and refrigerate for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes gloopy

Can I add walnuts?

Yes, you can! See the variations section above for different ideas for how you can switch up this banana bread

How to store banana bread?

You can store the banana bread for ~2 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or refrigerate for 5-7 days

Print
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overhead image of a loaf of banana bread with cinnamon crunch with 2 slices cut revealing moist interior

BEST EVER BANANA BREAD WITH CINNAMON CRUNCH RECIPE


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 17 reviews

  • Author: Zoha
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 min
  • Yield: 10-12 servings
Print Recipe
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Description

Truly the best banana bread you'll ever eat: perfectly balanced in flavor, ultra moist without being dense, and topped off with a yummy cinnamon crunch.


Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (55g)
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
  • 2 eggs, cold
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 large extra ripe bananas, mashed (about 400g)
  • 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour (195g)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup sour cream (120g) - can be substituted with yogurt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon + 1 tablespoon sugar for the cinnamon crunch (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F and prep a loaf pan with parchment paper and butter
  • Melt the butter in a nonstick saucepan and stir over medium-low heat until it melts and turns brown and fragrant
  • Turn the heat to the lowest flame, add the granulated and brown sugars, and stir for 1-2 minutes
  • Remove from heat and wait ~5 minutes. Then add the eggs and vanilla and whisk for 1-2 minutes until a smooth, silky mixture forms
  • Add the mashed bananas and mix until combined
  • Sift in the flour, baking soda and salt, and fold gently until mixed in
  • Lastly, fold in the sour cream
  • Pour the batter into the prepped loaf pan, and sprinkle over the cinnamon sugar mixture
  • Bake for ~50 or so minutes until the banana bread is cooked through
  • Rest for 20 minutes in the loaf pan before turning out and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 50 min
  • Category: Desserts
  • Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review and tag @bakewithzoha on Instagram!

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Comments

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  1. Dee says

    August 16, 2023 at 9:04 pm

    Hi there ?,
    Wondering if I can make this gluten free?
    Keep up your good work!

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      August 22, 2023 at 5:20 pm

      Hi Dee! While I have not tried that myself, I think it should work 🙂 Good luck!

      Reply
      • Jill M Fenn says

        November 20, 2023 at 7:59 am

        I have ONLY made this GF (use the one:one flour mix) and haven't changed a thing. It's amazing every single time.

        Reply
  2. Isra Akhter says

    August 19, 2023 at 12:27 pm

    Tried this recipe today. It was first time making banana bread and it was a super hit! The cinnamon crunch is a game changer. The banana bread was so moist and delicious. This will always be my go to recipe for banana bread going forward! Up until now I would go to a cafe/bakery to but banana bread but they don’t taste anywhere as delicious as this!

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      August 22, 2023 at 5:20 pm

      Isra, thank you SO much!!! I am thrilled to hear you like this recipe just as much as I do.

      Reply
  3. Zee says

    August 22, 2023 at 5:17 pm

    Wow!!!! This was actually the best banana bread I’ve ever eaten no jokes

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      August 22, 2023 at 5:19 pm

      Yay!!

      Reply
  4. Shifa says

    August 23, 2023 at 3:38 am

    The best banana bread I’ve tried . It’s very moist and delicious.

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      September 08, 2023 at 9:11 pm

      I am glad you agree with me! Thank you ❤️

      Reply
  5. Ayesha says

    August 27, 2023 at 9:46 pm

    Best banana bread ever! Very soft and moist, it’s so delicious!
    I did not put sour cream both times but still love it.

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      September 08, 2023 at 9:13 pm

      Hi Ayesha! That's awesome. Did you substitute the sour cream, or just omit it altogether?

      Reply
      • Ayesha says

        December 21, 2023 at 1:03 pm

        Omit it, didn’t have sour cream or yogurt but still was delicious. Best recipe I have tried till now ??

        Reply
        • Zoha says

          January 05, 2024 at 2:25 pm

          Thank you Ayesha!

          Reply
      • Maria says

        April 18, 2025 at 12:42 pm

        Aoa Zoha,
        I tried your recipe yesterday and it’s the most amazing banana bread I’ve ever had in my life.
        It was so moist and beyond delicious . Me and my son loved it. I didn’t use sour cream but used 1/4th cup yogurt instead.
        I tried your cheesecake recipe as well and it was a hit too.
        Thanks for your recipes.

        Reply
  6. Rameesah says

    September 05, 2023 at 4:24 am

    This is the best banana bread I have ever tried!

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      September 08, 2023 at 9:07 pm

      YAYYYYYYY!!!!!

      Reply
  7. S Amnah Ahmed says

    September 08, 2023 at 4:01 pm

    This is truly the best banana bread I ever made. Soooo good!! The cinnamon crunch makes it exceptionally good. Thank you zoha for sharing your recipe♥️

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      September 08, 2023 at 9:05 pm

      YAYY!! Thrilled to hear that 🙂

      Reply
    • Samia says

      October 08, 2023 at 7:07 pm

      Woww!!! I have tried your recipe for the first time and it turned out super moist and amazing!
      Thank you Zoha ?

      Reply
      • Zoha says

        October 08, 2023 at 11:33 pm

        Delighted to hear that! Thanks for trying it, Samia!

        Reply
  8. Hafsa Ahmed says

    September 11, 2023 at 7:36 am

    Best banana bread recipe ??
    I have substituted sour cream with yogurt and it does the job. Also the cinnamon crunch on the top adds another level of awesomeness.

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      September 14, 2023 at 2:30 pm

      Yum - thank you for sharing your experience!

      Reply
  9. Salma Hussain says

    September 26, 2023 at 5:56 am

    Excellent recipe and super moist, best ever banana bread!!!!

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      September 26, 2023 at 4:18 pm

      Thank you thank you!!

      Reply
  10. Jelena K says

    January 02, 2024 at 12:21 pm

    The best recipe I’ve ever tried, simple yet so perfect.

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      January 05, 2024 at 2:15 pm

      Thanks so much! I am glad you liked it

      Reply
  11. Gigi Eisenberg says

    March 15, 2024 at 1:59 pm

    My husband has requested I make this banana bread again. I did use the streusel crumble on top with walnuts and it was so moist and delicious! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      March 24, 2024 at 9:08 pm

      Ah, delicious!!! Glad your husband liked it 🙂

      Reply
  12. Zahur says

    April 07, 2024 at 5:50 pm

    OMG ! The best banana bread I've baked so far. The taste is just too amazing. Thanks Zoha for such an easy, rich indulgent recipe ❤️

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      April 16, 2024 at 5:04 pm

      This made my whole day!

      Reply
  13. Nosheen says

    April 21, 2024 at 11:46 am

    Perfect and delicious! Everyone loved it, definitely will make again. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      April 22, 2024 at 5:04 pm

      Yay! Thank you

      Reply
      • Shaz says

        January 16, 2025 at 6:27 pm

        Thank you, Zoha. Definitely the best! It's always a hit, and I made it so many times already. Do you think it will turn out as good if we bake it the form of muffins?

        Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    May 03, 2024 at 2:31 pm

    Hi,

    So I tried this today. My bread had an amazing rise just like yours. When I left it to cool down for 20 minutes, it sank a bit and the top became flat. Do you why that could be?

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      July 10, 2024 at 1:40 pm

      Sounds like it was not fully baked when you took it out of the oven, causing it to sink 🙂

      Reply
  15. Mariam Fatima says

    October 08, 2024 at 11:40 am

    i never imagined that i would fall in love with the banana bread after trying this recipe. It turned out delicious!

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      October 31, 2024 at 8:45 pm

      😀 Thank you!!

      Reply
  16. Arsh says

    December 29, 2024 at 8:04 am

    Alhumdulilah i made it and tbvh it feels out of the world 😍❤️. Thanks zoha for this amazing recipe.

    Reply
  17. Ashwathy says

    January 24, 2025 at 9:07 am

    I've been baking for over 10 years and have tried over 15 different recipes for Banana Bread and I will fail myself if I don't leave a review of this recipe!

    Hands down the best I've tried - the browning of the butter makes such a world of a difference and so does the cinnamon crunch top layer.

    10/10 would recommend others to try it out!

    Reply
  18. Dana says

    January 25, 2025 at 6:03 pm

    I don’t even like banana bread and this was delicious! Husband and kids (the usual banana bread eaters on my house) loved it. The only thing I might do next time is add a smidge of cinnamon into the actual batter too. But the cinnamon sugar crunch on top was ingenious!

    Reply
  19. Warda B says

    February 13, 2025 at 5:04 am

    This is the best recipe my husband asks me to bake it for bake sale at his work and everyone was asking for the recipe.. thank you zoha your recipes are perfect

    Reply
  20. Ryan says

    March 26, 2025 at 8:55 pm

    I also did not add sour cream like a commenter below. I tried it with and without and prefer it without! In case anyone is wondering if they can omit it. I also added mini chocolate chips. It is still moist and gooey and delicious!

    Reply
  21. Maria says

    April 18, 2025 at 3:31 pm

    Aoa Zoha,
    I baked banana bread with your recipe yesterday. It turned out so good , moist and beyond delicious. The best banana bread I’ve ever had or baked. Me and my son loved it. I substituted sour cream with only 1/4th cup of yogurt and added walnuts in it.
    I tried your cheesecake recipe as well for my son’s eighteenth birthday and it was a hit.
    Thanks for your recipes.

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      May 07, 2025 at 5:46 pm

      THANK YOU SO MUCH!

      Reply
  22. Haniah says

    April 28, 2025 at 5:37 pm

    Would be trying this in a day or two and I'm totally thrilled as I love your recipes. Just confused what size loaf pan should be using? Could you please help!

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      May 07, 2025 at 5:33 pm

      9x3 or close to that will work best 🙂

      Reply
girl (zoha) sitting with arm propped on counter, smiling at camera, muffins and brownies in front of her

Hi, I'm Zoha! Self taught home-baker, massive sweet tooth, lover of all things baked and content creator behind Bake With Zoha.

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