This Salted Caramel Banana Bread is the perfect fusion of comfort and indulgence. The classic moist banana bread, infused with ripe bananas and a touch of cinnamon, is elevated by the rich sweetness of brown sugar and a luscious salted caramel glaze. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it’s a treat that combines the best of both worlds—banana bread and salted caramel.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp fine salt

• ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 2 large eggs

• ⅓ cup sour cream

• 4 overripe bananas, mashed

• 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

• ⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar

• ½ tsp kosher salt

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together brown sugar and butter until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.

5. Bake the Bread: 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. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool completely.

6. Make the Caramel Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, add heavy cream, sift in the confectioners’ sugar, and stir until smooth.

7. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the glaze has cooled slightly (about 5 minutes), pour it generously over the cooled banana bread.

Nutrients (per slice)

• Calories: 300 kcal

• Fat: 14g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Carbohydrates: 41g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 28g

• Protein: 3g

• Sodium: 250mg

Why Salted Caramel Banana Bread Is So Special

Banana bread is a beloved classic, known for its moist texture, natural sweetness from ripe bananas, and aromatic spiced flavor. However, by adding a salted caramel glaze, this recipe elevates the humble banana bread into something extraordinary. The caramel glaze adds depth and complexity with its sweet and slightly salty flavor, creating a delicious contrast to the soft, spiced banana bread.

The addition of sour cream ensures the bread stays moist, while the brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas, making each slice irresistible. The salted caramel glaze provides the perfect finishing touch, giving each slice a rich, decadent flavor that balances beautifully with the spiced bread.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The flour provides structure and gives the banana bread its soft, tender crumb.

• Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the bread rise, ensuring it becomes light and fluffy.

• Ground Cinnamon and Salt: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the bread, while salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contributes moisture and a deep, molasses-like flavor that complements the bananas.

• Butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the bread, creating a soft and tender texture.

• Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the bread.

• Sour Cream: The sour cream adds extra moisture and a slight tang, helping keep the bread soft and preventing it from becoming dry.

• Ripe Bananas: Bananas are the star of the bread, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor. Overripe bananas work best because they are sweeter and softer.

• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor of the banana bread, adding a touch of warmth and depth.

For the Caramel Glaze:

• Brown Sugar and Butter: These ingredients form the base of the caramel glaze, providing sweetness and richness.

• Heavy Cream: The cream creates a smooth, velvety texture for the glaze, making it easy to drizzle over the banana bread.

• Confectioners’ Sugar: The powdered sugar helps thicken the glaze and adds sweetness.

• Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt in the glaze balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor, giving it that “salted” characteristic.

How to Make the Perfect Salted Caramel Banana Bread

Making Salted Caramel Banana Bread is a straightforward process, with just a few simple steps that result in a moist, flavorful loaf topped with a decadent caramel glaze. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set the mixture aside.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar and softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread.

5. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Caramel Glaze: While the bread is cooling, make the salted caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, and cook for about 1 minute, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, then sift in the confectioners’ sugar and whisk until smooth. Add the kosher salt and mix well.

7. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bread has cooled slightly, drizzle the salted caramel glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.

8. Serve: Slice the bread and enjoy! Serve it as a snack, for breakfast, or as a dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.

Pro Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Banana Bread

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the banana bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully brown skins for the best flavor.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.

• Let the Bread Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart. Cooling also allows the flavors to fully develop.

• Make the Caramel Glaze in Advance: You can make the salted caramel glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just warm it up slightly before drizzling it over the bread.

• Optional Add-ins: If you like, you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the banana bread batter for extra texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Salted Caramel Banana Bread

Salted Caramel Banana Bread can be enjoyed in many ways, depending on the occasion:

• For Breakfast: Serve a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying start to your day.

• As a Snack: Enjoy a slice in the afternoon with a glass of milk or iced coffee for a delicious snack.

• For Dessert: This bread is perfect for dessert when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The sweetness of the bread combined with the salted caramel glaze makes for a truly indulgent treat.

• For Brunch: Slice the banana bread into small pieces and serve it as part of a brunch spread with other baked goods and fresh fruit.

Nutritional Information for Salted Caramel Banana Bread

Each slice of Salted Caramel Banana Bread contains approximately 300 calories, with 14 grams of fat, including 8 grams of saturated fat. It also provides 28 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 18 grams of sugar, which is mainly from the bananas and caramel glaze. The bread offers 3 grams of protein per slice, making it a satisfying treat. The sodium content is about 250 mg per slice, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Banana Bread is an indulgent and irresistible treat that combines the comfort of banana bread with the rich, decadent flavor of salted caramel. The moist, spiced bread is topped with a luscious caramel glaze that adds sweetness and a touch of salt, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this banana bread is guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries it. With its tender crumb, sweet banana flavor, and rich caramel topping, this recipe is a must-try for any banana bread lover!