This Salted Caramel Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic recipe. Moist, rich, and bursting with banana flavor, it’s taken to the next level with a gooey salted caramel swirl and a drizzle on top. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this banana bread is sure to satisfy all your cravings. Let’s get baking!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Banana bread is a comforting, classic treat, but when you add salted caramel, it becomes a whole new experience. This Salted Caramel Banana Bread has all the familiar moistness and rich banana flavor, with the added decadence of salted caramel swirled throughout. It’s easy to make, and it’s a perfect way to use up those overripe bananas that are sitting on your counter. Serve it with a cup of coffee or as a delicious dessert to end your day on a sweet note.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Salted Caramel

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Prepare the Salted Caramel: In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce with the sea salt until well combined.
5. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, and then drizzle the rest of the salted caramel over it. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the batter.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with extra salted caramel if desired before slicing and serving.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better. Overripe bananas with brown spots add more flavor and natural sweetness to the bread.
• Salted Caramel: If you prefer homemade salted caramel, you can easily make your own by melting sugar and adding butter, cream, and sea salt. Store-bought caramel sauce works just as well.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense banana bread. Mix until just combined to keep the bread tender.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Version: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nutty Caramel Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Frozen Bananas?

Yes! Thaw the bananas first and drain any excess liquid before mashing and using in the recipe.

2. How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread?

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

This Salted Caramel Banana Bread is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. The creamy, salty-sweet caramel swirled throughout the moist banana bread adds a new level of flavor that is irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying a slice for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack, this banana bread is sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with this decadent treat!

Happy Baking!