Salted Caramel Banana Bread Recipe

Heavenly Salted Caramel Banana Bread Recipe for Sweet Moments

Banana bread with salted caramel creates a delightful twist on a classic comfort treat.

Sweet ripened bananas blend perfectly with rich, golden caramel notes.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this recipe stand out from traditional banana bread styles.

Warm kitchen aromas will draw everyone closer to your baking adventure.

Soft, moist crumbs mingle with buttery caramel undertones that surprise and delight.

Salt crystals dancing across the surface add complex depth to each tender slice.

Bake this bread and watch smiles spread across hungry faces.

Salted Caramel Banana Bread – Sweet with a Touch of Salt

  • Craft with Minimal Effort: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this salted caramel banana bread a breeze to prepare, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combining classic banana bread with rich salted caramel glaze creates an irresistible treat that delights both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles around the table.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Suitable for multiple occasions like potlucks, brunches, afternoon tea, or a sweet weekend snack, this recipe adapts beautifully to any gathering or mood.
  • Flavor Explosion: The harmonious blend of sweet bananas, warm cinnamon, and decadent caramel glaze elevates this traditional banana bread into a gourmet experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Banana Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the banana bread.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the banana bread.
  • Fine Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Packed Brown Sugar: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the recipe.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, soft texture.
  • Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and moist texture.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the bread's flavor.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Packed Brown Sugar, Unsalted Butter: Create a rich, caramel-like base for the glaze.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth consistency to the glaze.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the glaze.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

How to Bake Salted Caramel Banana Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F. Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and generously grease it to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and toss in:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Fine salt

Whisk everything together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large bowl, beat brown sugar and butter until smooth and creamy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Fold into the mixture:
  • Sour cream
  • Mashed bananas
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Create the Batter

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slide into the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Craft the Caramel Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Unsalted butter

Heat on medium, bringing to a boil.

Cook until sugar dissolves completely.

Step 8: Finish the Glaze

Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.

Sift in:
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Kosher salt

Whisk until silky smooth.

Step 9: Drizzle and Serve

Let the glaze cool for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Pour generously over the cooled banana bread. Slice and enjoy your decadent creation!

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Salted Caramel Banana Bread

  • Ensure bananas are overly ripe for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor, which creates a more moist and rich bread texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense bread; gently fold ingredients until just combined for a tender crumb.
  • Try optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or pecans to add extra crunch and personalize the recipe.
  • Let the bread cool completely before glazing to prevent the caramel from becoming too runny and sliding off the loaf.
  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Creative Variations of Salted Caramel Banana Bread

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, moist texture of the original recipe.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and use plant-based butter to create a lactose-free alternative that's equally delicious and tender.
  • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in dark chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking to add extra indulgence and a delightful chocolate undertone to the classic banana bread.
  • Nutty Banana Bread: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and a nutty flavor profile that complements the sweet caramel glaze.

Pairings That Go Well with Salted Caramel Banana Bread

  • Select a robust medium-roast Colombian or Ethiopian coffee with nutty undertones that complement the caramel's sweetness and balance the banana bread's rich profile.
  • Choose a slightly chilled tawny port wine, which offers caramel and dried fruit notes that beautifully echo the bread's complex flavor spectrum and enhance its warm spices.
  • Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped mascarpone cream, adding luxurious coldness that contrasts the bread's warm, dense texture and intensifies its caramel undertones.

Storage Tips for Salted Caramel Banana Bread

  • Store the banana bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap the completely cooled banana bread in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut the bread into individual slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Microwave or toast directly from frozen for a quick treat.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to use sour cream in banana bread?

Sour cream adds moisture and creates a tender, soft texture in the bread. It helps keep the banana bread rich and prevents it from becoming dry or crumbly.

  • Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?

Brown sugar provides a deeper, more caramel-like flavor and adds moisture to the bread. While white sugar can work, it won’t deliver the same depth of flavor and richness that brown sugar provides.

  • How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?

Use bananas that are very ripe with dark brown or black spots. Overripe bananas are sweeter and softer, which helps create a more flavorful and moist banana bread.

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Salted Caramel Banana Bread Recipe

Salted Caramel Banana Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Scrumptious salted caramel banana bread delivers comfort and indulgence in one delightful loaf. Rich caramel notes complement sweet bananas, creating a moist, irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bananas (overripe, mashed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter (for glaze)
  • 2 tbsps heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Set dry mixture aside.
  3. Cream brown sugar and butter in a larger bowl until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs individually, mixing consistently between each addition.
  4. Fold sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract into the sugar-butter mixture. Blend until ingredients are fully integrated.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain bread’s delicate texture.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes at 350°F, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Create caramel glaze by melting brown sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute until sugar dissolves completely.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and kosher salt, whisking until glaze becomes silky and uniform.
  9. Let glaze cool for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Drizzle evenly over cooled banana bread, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Notes

  • Measure ingredients precisely to ensure the perfect balance of moisture and texture in your banana bread.
  • Use overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor development.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense bread texture – mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier alternative that maintains moisture.
  • Store bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 296 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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