Gingerbread Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful twist on classic banana bread, you have to try this Gingerbread Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. This bread is the perfect balance of warm spices and sweet banana goodness, topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar crust and a sweet glaze that’s just irresistible. Trust me, once you bake this, it’s going to become your go-to treat for chilly mornings or holiday gatherings—my family absolutely goes crazy for it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a special role here—from the rich molasses to the cozy spices—making this Gingerbread Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe uniquely delicious. When shopping, try to get real molasses for that deep flavor and ripe bananas for natural sweetness.

• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkled on the pan for a sweet, crispy crust—don’t skip this step!
• Unsalted Butter: Softened for easy creaming with the sugar, which helps create the bread’s tender crumb.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs wonderfully with molasses.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully without overpowering.
• Eggs: They give structure but also richness to the bread.
• Mashed Bananas: Use ripe ones; they bring natural sweetness and super moist texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and extra moisture, keeping the bread soft days later.
• Molasses: The star of gingerbread flavor—gives depth and that signature warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bread; be sure not to overmix for a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise just right and stay light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
• Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice: These warm spices create that iconic gingerbread taste that I love so much.
• Powdered Sugar and Milk: For the simple glaze that adds just enough sweetness without weighing things down.
• Holiday Sprinkles (optional): Make it festive and fun, especially if you’re sharing it around the holidays.

Variations

I like to switch things up sometimes with this Gingerbread Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe depending on the season or occasion—feel free to make it your own and play with textures and add-ins!

• Nutty Upgrade: I often toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast; my kids love the nuttiness mixed with spices.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend—just be sure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise.
• Vegan Adaptation: You can replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream; the spices still shine through wonderfully.
• Extra Spice Kick: If you like it extra cozy, try doubling the ginger or adding a pinch of cloves—it’s how I dressed it up last Christmas and it was a hit!

How to Make Gingerbread Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Step 1: Prep your pan with cinnamon sugar magic

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick spray. Here’s a fun twist: sprinkle a tablespoon of cinnamon sugar evenly over the pan, then shake and tap the pan so that every nook gets coated. This little step creates a sweet, crunchy crust on the outside of your bread that always surprises guests.

Step 2: Cream butter and brown sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and packed dark brown sugar until it’s creamy and fluffy. This is the base of your bread’s texture, so take your time—it helps incorporate air, making the final loaf light and tender.

Step 3: Add the good stuff — bananas, eggs, vanilla, and molasses

Add the vanilla extract, eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, and molasses to the butter-sugar mixture and beat again until everything is well combined. I love this stage because the thick molasses gives the batter a rich color and that unmistakable gingerbread aroma starts filling your kitchen here.

Step 4: Mix dry ingredients and combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and your spice blend—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make your bread tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see flour anymore.

Step 5: Bake until golden and toothpick clean

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 65-70 minutes, but start checking at 60 minutes. Insert a long skewer or toothpick in the center—it should come out mostly clean with maybe a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Glaze and decorate for the finishing touch

While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle or spread this glaze evenly over the top of your loaf, then sprinkle holiday sprinkles on for a festive look. The glaze adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spiced bread perfectly.

How to Serve Gingerbread Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the toppings simple: glaze and colorful holiday sprinkles add a festive touch that kids adore, and for special occasions, a light dusting of powdered sugar also works beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread is a star on its own, but if I’m serving it for brunch, I love pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a creamy cup of chai tea to complement the spices.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve wrapped slices individually with pretty parchment paper and tied them with twine as gifts. Another favorite is stacking slices on a dessert platter with dollops of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a show-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and flavorful, though honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, I freeze the whole loaf (before glazing) wrapped in foil and plastic wrap. When thawed, I add the glaze fresh to keep it nice and shiny.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast them lightly to revive the crispy edges—either way, it tastes almost like fresh-baked bread!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe has become one of my favorites to bake when I want something that feels both familiar and festive at the same time. It’s a crowd-pleaser that makes your kitchen smell amazing while it bakes, and the spice combo just whispers “holiday” with every bite. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to time and again for cozy breakfasts, snacks, or sweet gifts. Happy baking, friend!

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