If you have a soft spot for warm, cozy baked goods that combine the best of two beloved classics, you are going to fall head over heels for this Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe. It takes the tender, moist sweetness of ripe bananas and marries it with the nostalgic, cinnamon-sugar charm of a snickerdoodle cookie. The result is a loaf that’s bursting with flavor, delightfully soft but with just a hint of spice, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert shared with loved ones.

Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are beautifully simple, each playing a vital role in bringing your Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe to life. From the ripe bananas that add natural sweetness and moisture to the warm cinnamon that gives the bread its signature snickerdoodle essence, every component is essential for that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

3 ripe bananas: Naturally sweet and creamy, these provide moisture and rich banana flavor.

½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with browning.
¼ cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses depth and extra moisture into the batter.

½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and a buttery texture without overpowering.
2 eggs: Bind ingredients together and give the bread structure.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, offering structure and chewiness.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light, tender crumb.

½ teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the acids in bananas and butters the rise.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings in that signature snickerdoodle warmth.

¼ cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create a silky batter consistency.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For the cinnamon-sugar topping that creates a delightful crust.

How to Make Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or go the easy route with parchment paper lining to ensure your bread slides out effortlessly once baked. This initial preparation sets the stage for baking success.

Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

Grab your ripe bananas and mash them well in a large mixing bowl until smooth. The creaminess of this banana mash will infuse your bread with natural sweetness and moisture, which is key to that tender crumb we all love.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Into the banana mash, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until it’s perfectly blended. This mixture will become the luscious, flavorful base of your Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe.

Step 4: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Combining these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring your bread rises uniformly while that cinnamon interweaves throughout the batter.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately With Milk

Now for the fun part—gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough bread instead of the tender, snickerdoodle-inspired banana loaf you’re aiming for.

Step 6: Pour Batter Into Pan and Add Topping

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. This topping will caramelize during baking to give your loaf its signature snickerdoodle crunch and sparkle.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Done

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times vary slightly by oven, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes to get that perfect golden crust.

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing

Let your Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the bread set and makes slicing neat and easy.

How to Serve Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of softened butter elevates each slice to new heights. For an indulgent twist, try a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting that complements the cinnamon and banana flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced apples, balancing the sweet spice with refreshing brightness. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk makes for a lovely accompaniment that rounds out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch, consider serving slices topped with a smear of nut butter and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch. Or, make mini grilled banana bread sandwiches with cream cheese filling for a playful spin that will impress friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for quick snacks on busy mornings.

Freezing

You can freeze the banana bread whole or in slices. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a resealable freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy that snickerdoodle goodness anytime you crave it.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw frozen bread at room temperature or pop individual slices directly into a toaster oven or microwave for a warm, freshly baked feel in seconds. This little step brings back the softness and aroma that makes this recipe so magical.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in the Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread, but keep in mind that the sugars also contribute to the bread’s moist texture and caramelized topping.

What if I don’t have cinnamon on hand?

Cinnamon is key to the snickerdoodle flavor, but if you’re out, a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or a light sprinkle of nutmeg can be a decent substitute, giving the bread a warm, spiced character.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For optimal sweetness and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots on the peel. Overripe bananas mash easily and enhance the natural sweetness beautifully.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! Divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups and bake for about 18-22 minutes. The cinnamon-sugar topping still adds that wonderful snickerdoodle crunch on each muffin.

Is the Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about baking a homemade loaf that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and bananas. This Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe is more than a quick fix; it’s a comforting treat that brings a touch of cozy happiness to any day. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and savor every delicious slice.

Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Snickerdoodle Banana Bread combines the classic cozy flavors of snickerdoodle cinnamon sugar with moist, ripe bananas to create a delightful twist on traditional banana bread. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and topped with a tantalizing cinnamon-sugar crust, this loaf is a sweet treat that balances soft texture with a subtle crunchy topping, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth to create a creamy base for the bread batter.

Mix Wet Ingredients: Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is combined evenly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spice.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir just until all ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.

Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and gently smooth the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Apply Topping: Mix the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the batter.
Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool in Pan: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to help it set.
Transfer and Serve: Remove the loaf from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.

Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a tough bread.
The cinnamon-sugar topping adds a crunchy contrast but can be omitted for a softer crust.
Store leftover banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes

Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8th of loaf)
Calories: 230 kcal
Sugar: 14 g

Sodium: 170 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g

Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g

Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: banana bread, snickerdoodle, cinnamon sugar, easy bread recipe, moist banana bread, cinnamon topping, homemade bread