Description
Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Crumble Topping:
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
In a small bowl, mix sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
6. Assemble the Bread:
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon crumble topping evenly over the batter.
7. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your 9×5-inch loaf pan. Properly mashing your bananas is key; they should be very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk the 1 ½ cups of flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even leavening. In your large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, ½ cup melted (and slightly cooled) butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until just blended. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two batches, folding gently with a spatula until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough bread.
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread is delightful on its own but can be elevated for any occasion. For a simple breakfast, serve a warm slice with a pat of salted butter. As a dessert, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a brunch centerpiece, pair it with Greek yogurt and fresh berries. It also makes a wonderful gift; let it cool completely, wrap it in parchment paper, and tie it with twine.
How-to Summary
In short: Mash ripe bananas. Mix dry ingredients separately. Combine wet ingredients, then fold in dry mix. Make crumble by mixing sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Pour batter into a prepared pan, top with crumble, and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes. Cool before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas? Yes! Thaw frozen ripe bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How can I make this bread nut-free or add nuts? The recipe is naturally nut-free. To add nuts, fold ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before pouring.
Why did my crumble topping sink? This usually happens if the batter is too thin or the crumble is too wet. Ensure your butter is just melted, not hot, and your batter is thick.
How should I store leftovers? Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour? For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Note that texture may vary slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This is the top mistake. Stir until ingredients are just combined to avoid a dense, rubbery texture.
- Using underripe bananas: Green or yellow bananas lack the necessary sweetness and moisture. Wait for them to be speckled with brown.
- Not testing for doneness properly: Ovens vary. Start checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
- Slicing while hot: The bread needs time to set. Cutting it too early will cause it to crumble and fall apart.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread transforms a classic recipe into something extraordinary with its sweet, crunchy topping. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for sharing. Its versatility in serving and storage makes it a reliable favorite for bakers of all levels. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!