Salted Caramel Banana Bread

If there’s one baked good that just about everyone can get on board with, it might have to be banana bread. I don’t think I’ve ever met a soul who didn’t love it. I mean, what’s not to love about a perfectly moist and flavorful slice of cake that you can get away with calling bread (and therefore eat for breakfast with minimal guilt). I’m typically partial to chocolate chip banana bread, but when I heard about this salted caramel spin I knew I had to give it a go.

Bananas and caramel are nothing short of a match made in heaven in most scenarios and this recipe is no exception. Don’t be intimidated by the sound of a homemade caramel glaze, the recipe we went with here is surprisingly easy to whip. You’ll start by bringing butter and brown sugar to a boil and cooking until the sugar has fully dissolved. From there, you’ll just need to mix in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and salt (the crucial part of a salted caramel!). Let the glaze cool for a few minutes before pouring it over your loaf. Whether you want to remove your loaf from the pan before glazing it is up to you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Salted Caramel Banana Bread is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a moist texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of a rich, homemade caramel glaze elevates the classic banana bread to a whole new level. Plus, it’s a simple recipe that anyone can master!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×5 inch baking dish
• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

Banana Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Glaze

• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×5 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar and butter until creamy, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla to the sugar mixture and beat until thoroughly combined.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until the sugar has fully dissolved, about 1 minute.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and remove the pan from the heat. Add the powdered sugar and salt, mixing until smooth.
9. Allow the glaze to cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling it over the cooled bread.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the bread to prevent it from being too runny.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• For a more pronounced caramel flavor, sprinkle a little extra salt on top of the glaze.
• Make it a dessert by serving slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of Salted Caramel Banana Bread provides a delightful balance of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Exact nutritional values will depend on portion size and any additional ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mashing.

How should I store the banana bread? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I make the glaze in advance? Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and warm it slightly before using.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! We’d love to hear about your experience and any creative variations you come up with.