Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), at room temperature
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
How to make Salted Caramel Banana Bread
- Begin by preheating your oven to a welcoming 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×5 inch baking dish, setting the stage for what’s to come.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture is the backbone of your bread, providing structure and warmth with a hint of spice.
- In a larger bowl, cream the brown sugar and butter together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is like weaving together a tapestry of flavors, where the sugar and butter intertwine perfectly. Then, add the eggs one at a time, incorporating them fully into the sweet, buttery base.
- Stir in the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, beating until well combined. The sour cream adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the bananas and sugar, creating a harmonious blend.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix here; think of it as gently folding in the layers of flavor, maintaining the tender crumb that banana bread is known for.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes. The perfect moment is when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that your masterpiece is ready.
- While the bread cools, embark on the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the brown sugar and butter together, bringing it to a boil over medium heat. Once the sugar dissolves, a sweet symphony of flavors begins to unfold.
- Stir in the heavy cream and then remove the saucepan from the heat. The addition of powdered sugar and salt creates a glaze that’s the perfect culmination of sweet and salty—a golden drizzle that will crown your banana bread.
- Allow the glaze to cool slightly before pouring it over the bread. This final flourish not only enhances the bread’s flavor but also adds a touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Salted Caramel Banana Bread as a decadent breakfast treat, a delightful afternoon snack, or even as a dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the warm spices and rich caramel.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they’re sweeter and mash easily.
Can I make this bread without the glaze?
Yes, the banana bread is delicious on its own, but the salted caramel glaze adds a special touch.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend its shelf life up to a week.
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Yes, you can freeze it without the glaze for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw at room temperature and add the glaze after it’s thawed if desired.
This Salted Caramel Banana Bread recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures, a sweet homage to tradition with a modern twist. It’s about finding joy in the act of baking and sharing, creating memories around the warmth of the oven and the sweetness of home-cooked treats. So, go ahead, bake with love, and enjoy the rich, comforting embrace of this delightful bread.