Welcome to our baking section! Today, we’re sharing a delectable recipe for Salted Caramel Banana Bread. This moist and flavorful banana bread is topped with a rich salted caramel glaze, making it an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Glaze:
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Bread Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Bananas and Sour Cream: Mix in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Banana Bread
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Salted Caramel Glaze
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and unsalted butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to bubble.
- Add Cream and Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and kosher salt. Mix until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and reaches your desired consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cream; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Step 4: Glaze the Banana Bread
- Drizzle Glaze: Once the banana bread has cooled, drizzle the salted caramel glaze over the top.
- Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve: Slice the banana bread and enjoy this indulgent treat!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The more spots, the better!
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense bread.
- Glaze: Make sure the banana bread is completely cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.
Variations
Nutty Banana Bread
Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Banana Bread Muffins
Pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes for individual servings.
Coconut Banana Bread
Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this banana bread ahead of time?
Yes, banana bread can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded together. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the banana bread for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture and more fiber.
What can I serve with this banana bread?
This banana bread is delicious on its own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a smear of butter.
How can I prevent the banana bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease the loaf pan well with butter or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
This Salted Caramel Banana Bread is a decadent and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist banana bread base and rich salted caramel glaze, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious dessert with your family and friends!
