Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe

This Snickerdoodle Banana Bread combines two classic favorites—soft, moist banana bread and the sweet, cinnamon-sugar goodness of snickerdoodle cookies. Each slice is packed with rich banana flavor, a warm cinnamon swirl, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this easy-to-make treat will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and moist – Perfectly tender banana bread with a rich, buttery texture.
• Cinnamon-sugar goodness – A crunchy snickerdoodle topping and a cinnamon swirl inside.
• Easy to make – No fancy equipment needed, just simple ingredients and a mixing bowl.
• Great for using up ripe bananas – A delicious twist on classic banana bread.
• Freezer-friendly – Perfect for making ahead and saving for later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the banana bread:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the cinnamon-sugar swirl:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the snickerdoodle topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare the pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the cinnamon-sugar swirl:

• In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl and set aside.

3. Mix the dry ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Cream the butter and sugar:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream until combined.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—avoid overmixing for a tender loaf.

6. Assemble the banana bread:

• Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar swirl over the batter.
• Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar swirl.
• Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.

7. Add the snickerdoodle topping:

• In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
• Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter.

8. Bake:

• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Snickerdoodle Banana Muffins: Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20–25 minutes.
• Nutty Banana Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Vegan Banana Bread: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and dairy-free yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds to enjoy warm.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, using brown sugar will add a richer, caramel-like flavor and extra moisture.

How do I keep banana bread from being too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter and make sure your baking soda is fresh for the fluffiest texture.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw the bananas and drain excess liquid before mashing and adding to the batter.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This could be due to underbaking or adding too much liquid—make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make this recipe without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even plain milk.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?

Use a fork, potato masher, or even a hand mixer to get a smooth consistency.

How long should I let the banana bread cool before cutting?

Let it cool for at least 30 minutes to prevent crumbling and ensure cleaner slices.

Can I use other spices besides cinnamon?

Yes! Try adding nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this banana bread sugar-free?

Yes, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, but note that it might change the texture slightly.

Why is my banana bread dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can dry out the bread—make sure to measure your flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.

Conclusion

This Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is the perfect combination of soft, moist banana bread and sweet cinnamon-sugar goodness. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, each bite offers warm flavors and a tender crumb that’s impossible to resist. Easy to make and freezer-friendly, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to for using up ripe bananas!

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