Decadent Banana Bread with Salted Caramel Recipe

Heavenly Salted Caramel Banana Bread Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Soft, moist banana bread meets its ultimate match with a salted caramel twist that will make your taste buds dance.

Rich bananas blend perfectly with the salty caramel notes in this irresistible salted caramel banana bread recipe.

Each slice promises a decadent experience that bridges comfort and indulgence.

The sweet bananas complement the deep caramel undertones, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

Warm spices and a drizzle of golden caramel elevate this classic quick bread into something extraordinary.

Melted butter and ripe bananas ensure a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.

Serve this showstopping bread as a delightful breakfast treat or an afternoon snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 11

Salted Caramel Banana Bread Ingredient List

For Banana Bread Base:
  • Ripe Bananas: Choose super soft, dark-spotted bananas for maximum natural sweetness and intense banana flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Use fresh, sifted flour for a tender and light bread texture with smooth crumb.
  • Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality butter at room temperature for even mixing and rich taste.
  • Brown Sugar: Pick dark brown sugar for deeper caramel undertones and moisture retention.
  • Eggs: Use fresh, large eggs at room temperature for better binding and smooth batter consistency.
  • Sour Cream: Opt for full-fat sour cream to create incredibly moist and tender banana bread.
For Leavening and Spice:
  • Baking Soda: Ensures proper rise and helps create a soft, airy bread texture.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth that complements banana's natural sweetness.
  • Salt: Balances flavors and enhances overall taste profile of the bread.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides complex, rich flavor background and rounds out other ingredients.
For Salted Caramel Glaze:
  • Brown Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Heavy Cream: Classic caramel ingredients that create a silky, golden drizzle.
  • Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken and stabilize the glaze for perfect drizzling consistency.
  • Kosher Salt: Adds sophisticated flavor contrast and elevates the caramel's richness.

Tools for Baking Salted Caramel Banana Bread

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing dry ingredient mixture.
  • Loaf pan (9×5-inch): Critical for baking the banana bread with correct shape.
  • Whisk: Great for blending ingredients and creating a lump-free glaze.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix batter without overmixing.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Toothpick: Helps check bread's doneness by testing center.
  • Small saucepan: Necessary for preparing caramel glaze.
  • Cooling rack: Allows bread to cool evenly after baking.

How to Bake Salted Caramel Banana Bread

How to Bake Salted Caramel Banana Bread
  • Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Warm your oven to create a cozy baking environment. Grab a loaf pan and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

  • Dry Ingredient Harmony

Blend flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and a touch of salt in a mixing bowl. These dry ingredients will provide structure and flavor to your bread.

  • Sweet Foundation

Cream together brown sugar and softened butter until they form a smooth, fluffy mixture. Gently fold in eggs, creating a rich and velvety base.

  • Banana Magic

Mash ripe bananas into the mixture, adding sour cream and vanilla extract. The bananas will bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.

  • Batter Creation

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.

  • Baking Moment

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the warm oven. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly done loaf.

  • Caramel Drizzle

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Let them dance together over gentle heat, then introduce cream to create a luxurious caramel sauce.

  • Finishing Touch

Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Allow the glaze to cool slightly, then cascade it over the cooled bread, creating delicious drips down the sides.

Tips to Customize Salted Caramel Banana Bread

Tips to Customize Salted Caramel Banana Bread
  • Wrap your salted caramel banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist for up to 5 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer enjoyment.
  • Select overripe bananas with brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor – they'll make your bread incredibly moist and rich with natural sugars.
  • For extra caramel intensity, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the glaze right after drizzling to enhance the sweet-salty contrast and create a gourmet bakery-style finish.
  • Experiment by folding chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking to add exciting texture and unexpected flavor bursts that complement the caramel wonderfully.
  • Always let your banana bread cool completely before glazing to prevent the caramel from becoming too runny and ensure it sets beautifully on top of the bread, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Serving Salted Caramel Banana Bread Right

Serving Salted Caramel Banana Bread Right
  • Sweet Morning Companion: Slice a warm piece and enjoy alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat that brightens your day.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Transform this banana bread into an elegant dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzling extra salted caramel sauce over the top for a decadent experience.
  • Snack-Time Delight: Pack individual slices in lunch boxes or wrap them for a quick grab-and-go snack that provides a burst of energy and satisfies sweet cravings between meals.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Serve on a beautiful platter during weekend brunches, garnishing with fresh banana slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or chopped nuts to create a stunning presentation that impresses guests.

Storing Salted Caramel Banana Bread the Smart Way

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Place cooled banana bread in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for 3-4 days at room temperature.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for best texture.
  • Refrigeration Trick: Keep bread in sealed container inside refrigerator for extended shelf life, lasting up to one week. Warm slightly before serving to restore soft texture.
  • Quick Serving Suggestion: Cut bread into slices before storing, making it easy to grab a quick snack or breakfast bite without defrosting entire loaf.
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Decadent Banana Bread with Salted Caramel Recipe

Decadent Banana Bread with Salted Caramel


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Homemade salted caramel banana bread delivers rich comfort with deep layers of sweet-salty complexity. Drizzled caramel and sea salt elevate classic banana bread, creating an irresistible dessert for weekend gatherings or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter (for glaze)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease to ensure effortless release.
  2. Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly blended.
  3. Sugar Base: Cream brown sugar and butter in a large bowl until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency.
  4. Wet Integration: Gradually introduce eggs, sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, stirring until harmoniously combined.
  5. Batter Formation: Delicately fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using minimal strokes to preserve the bread’s tender nature.
  6. Baking Process: Transfer batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface, and bake for 55-65 minutes until a inserted toothpick comes out pristine and the top achieves a golden hue.
  7. Caramel Glaze: In a saucepan, merge brown sugar and butter over medium heat, simmering briefly while continuously stirring.
  8. Glaze Refinement: Remove from heat, whisk in heavy cream, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar and kosher salt until the mixture becomes silky and luminous.
  9. Finishing Touch: Allow glaze to cool for five minutes, then lavishly drizzle over the completely cooled banana bread.
  10. Serving: Slice and present, potentially paired with a comforting beverage for an exquisite culinary experience.

Notes

  • Banana Ripeness Matters: Use extremely ripe, almost black bananas with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deep banana flavor.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Fold dry ingredients gently and minimally to maintain a soft, tender bread texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Accurate Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise 350°F temperature, as variations can significantly affect baking results.
  • Salted Caramel Success: Cook caramel glaze slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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