Go Back

Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread is a moist banana loaf with a cinnamon swirl.
It features ripe bananas, maple syrup, and a buttery brown sugar topping.
Bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes for a soft center and crunchy finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients
  

Banana Bread

  • - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • - 4 overly ripe bananas mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • - 1/4 cup salted butter melted, or coconut oil
  • - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • - 2 large eggs room temperature
  • - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • - 1 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Crunch

  • - 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • - 2 tablespoons salted butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Set aside.
  • Add the mashed bananas, melted butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
  • Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently mix just until no large streaks of dry flour remain. Avoid overmixing so your Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread stays soft and tender.
  • Prepare the cinnamon crunch by combining the dark brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
  • Spoon half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, followed by about 1/4 cup of the cinnamon crunch mixture.
  • Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and gently spread it toward the edges.
  • Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar cinnamon crunch evenly over the top.
  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the loaf comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack and cool for another 15–30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For an especially rich brown sugar banana bread, use dark brown sugar in the crunch topping as listed. Light brown sugar can also be substituted for a slightly milder caramel flavor.
You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture. Chocolate chips are another delicious addition if you prefer a sweeter loaf.
Serve slices plain, lightly warmed, or spread with butter, cinnamon butter, or nut butter. It also pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.