Snickerdoodle banana bread combines the warm, sweet flavors of traditional banana bread with the comforting spice of snickerdoodle cookies. This delightful twist yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a hint of cinnamon and sugar, perfect for breakfast or a snack. If you love banana bread and snickerdoodles, this recipe will quickly become a favorite among them.
The snickerdoodle banana bread recipe is easy to follow and requires simple ingredients. It uses ripe bananas for natural sweetness, while cinnamon sugar gives it that classic snickerdoodle flavor. Enjoy a bite of this mouthwatering treat paired with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect combination.
Why You’ll Love This Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe
This snickerdoodle banana bread offers the best of both worlds—sweet bananas and warm cinnamon-sugar. The combination gives each bite a perfect balance of flavors that is hard to resist.
With everyday pantry items like ripe bananas, cinnamon, and sugar, this recipe is both easy to make and budget-friendly. No need for fancy ingredients, just pure comfort food.
Thanks to the bananas, this bread turns out incredibly moist. Each slice is soft, fluffy, and perfect for snacking or breakfast.
You can whip up this snickerdoodle banana bread in no time. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require much prep, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute treats.
Ingredient Notes for a Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe
- Bananas: Overripe bananas work best for this recipe. They add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, tender crumb in the banana bread.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for its rich flavor and to make the bread moist. It helps create a tender texture.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness, helping the bread rise.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bread.
- All-purpose Flour: The base for the bread. It provides structure and texture when mixed with other ingredients.
- Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise by reacting with the acids in the bananas and sour cream.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy kick to the banana bread, giving it its signature snickerdoodle flavor.
- Cream of Tartar: Works with the baking soda to provide the right rise and texture, giving the bread its fluffiness.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, which balances the sweetness of the bananas and sugar.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a richer, deeper flavor to the bread and enhances the crumb’s moisture.
- Cinnamon: The star of the snickerdoodle flavor. It pairs perfectly with the bananas for a warm, spicy kick.
Pre-preparation for Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
Before you start, it’s essential to get a few things ready:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease your loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Ripen the Bananas: If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, leave them on the counter for a few days to allow them to ripen. Riper bananas will give your bread a sweeter taste and a softer texture.
How to Make Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your snickerdoodle banana bread:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for the snickerdoodle topping)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for the snickerdoodle topping)
Directions
Now, let’s get into the fun part—baking!
- Prep the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cream of tartar.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until everything is combined.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Add the sour cream: Gently fold the sour cream into the batter. This will make your bread extra moist.
- Prepare the snickerdoodle topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the snickerdoodle topping. Sprinkle half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan.
- Fill the pan: Pour the banana bread batter into the pan and sprinkle the remaining snickerdoodle mixture over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe Variations
You can easily customize your snickerdoodle banana bread to suit your tastes or what you have on hand in your kitchen. Here are a few variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodle Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise in each bite.
- Walnut or Pecan Snickerdoodle Banana Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to add extra crunch to the bread.
- Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Banana Bread: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Banana Bread Muffins: Instead of baking in a loaf pan, pour the batter into a muffin tin for smaller, grab-and-go portions. Bake for 18-22 minutes.
How to Serve Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
There are many ways to enjoy your snickerdoodle banana bread. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Plain: Enjoy a slice of banana bread as is for a quick snack or breakfast.
- With Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm slice to add richness and flavor.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- Toasted: Lightly toast a slice and top it with honey or maple syrup for a sweet treat.
Storage Options
To keep your snickerdoodle banana bread fresh for longer, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Keep the banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For more extended storage, you can freeze the banana bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
- Sliced Freezer Storage: If you prefer to freeze individual slices, wrap them in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab a slice whenever you want!
FAQs About Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe
Can I use overripe bananas for snickerdoodle banana bread?
Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for snickerdoodle banana bread as they add extra sweetness and moisture to the batter. The bananas also contribute to the soft, tender texture that everyone loves.
Do I need to use cinnamon sugar for the topping?
While cinnamon sugar is a key part of the snickerdoodle flavor, you can skip it if you prefer. However, using it gives your banana bread that signature sweet, spicy crunch on top.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily add walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips to your snickerdoodle banana bread for extra texture and flavor. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid overmixing the batter.
How long should I bake snickerdoodle banana bread?
Bake the snickerdoodle banana bread at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to check it at the 60-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary.
