When it comes to comfort food, banana bread holds a special place in everyone’s heart. With its moist, tender crumb and naturally sweet banana flavor, it’s a perfect treat for any time of day. But what if you could take it up a notch? Enter Salted Caramel Banana Bread—a rich, indulgent version of the classic recipe that adds a layer of salted caramel goodness, bringing a delightful contrast to the natural sweetness of the bananas.
Why Salted Caramel?
The concept of salted caramel has been around for centuries, with roots in salted caramel making dating back to the Brittany region of France Salted Caramel – Wikipedia. Salted caramel adds depth to sweets by balancing sweetness with a touch of saltiness, enhancing the flavors and adding complexity to desserts. When paired with bananas in this banana bread recipe, the result is a dessert that’s indulgent, balanced, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped walnuts
- Extra banana slices for garnish
- A sprinkle of sea salt
Simple Step-by-Step Recipe:
1. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and stir constantly until it melts into a golden caramel color.
- Carefully add the butter, whisking until fully melted and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Add sea salt to taste, adjusting to your preference. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using.
2. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare your baking pan by coating a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light layer of oil or butter.
- For easy removal, consider lining it with parchment paper along the bottom and sides.
3. Prepare the Banana Bread Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter.
- Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated.
4. Assemble the Salted Caramel Banana Bread:
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle a portion of the caramel sauce over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by another drizzle of caramel. Use a butter knife to create swirls for a marbled effect.
5. Bake the Banana Bread:
- Set the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges without wet batter.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for around 10 minutes before carefully moving it to a wire rack to finish cooling.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce if desired. Enjoy your salted caramel banana bread warm or at room temperature!
Additional Tips and Variations
- Make it Nutty: For added crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Add Chocolate: Swirl in some melted chocolate with the caramel for a delicious salted caramel-chocolate banana bread.
- Use Overripe Bananas: For best results, use overripe bananas with brown spots; they add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is essential for heart health and muscle function Potassium – Wikipedia. This recipe also uses a moderate amount of sugar, butter, and cream, keeping it indulgent yet balanced.
For a healthier twist, you can experiment with reducing the sugar in the bread or swapping half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. This substitution will add fiber, making it more filling and nutritious. However, keep in mind that using whole wheat flour may change the texture slightly.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
- Freezing: wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then store them together in a freezer-safe bag to keep them fresh. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Salted Caramel Banana Bread Recipe
8
servings15
minutes50
minutes320
kcalThis Salted Caramel Banana Bread is a true crowd-pleaser, blending the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas with rich swirls of salted caramel for a perfect balance of flavors. Passed down as a secret family recipe, this moist and flavorful bread is a simple yet indulgent treat. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, it’s guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
Ingredients
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tbsp butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional Toppings:
– Chopped walnuts
– Extra banana slices for garnish
– A sprinkle of sea salt
Directions
- Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and stir constantly until it melts into a golden caramel color. Carefully add the butter, whisking until fully melted and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Add sea salt to taste, adjusting to your preference. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using.
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Banana Bread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated.
- Assemble the Salted Caramel Banana Bread: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle a portion of the caramel sauce over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by another drizzle of caramel. Use a butter knife to create swirls for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Banana Bread: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce if desired. Enjoy your salted caramel banana bread warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Additional Tips and Variations:
Make it Nutty: For added crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
Add Chocolate: Swirl in some melted chocolate with the caramel for a delicious salted caramel-chocolate banana bread.
Use Overripe Bananas: For best results, use overripe bananas with brown spots; they add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use a flaxseed “egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg. Swap the heavy cream in the caramel sauce for full-fat coconut milk, which will give a slightly different but delicious flavor.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes until they soften and become sweet. Be sure to let them cool before mashing.
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, store-bought caramel will work in a pinch. However, homemade caramel offers a richer, fresher flavor. If using store-bought caramel, look for a high-quality version without artificial ingredients.
Perfect Pairings with Salted Caramel Banana Bread
This banana bread pairs well with coffee or a hot drink. For a breakfast spread, consider pairing it with our Simply Sandwich Bread or our Best Nachos Breakfast, adding variety to your table.
For those who enjoy homemade, cozy treats, this recipe is the perfect balance of familiar flavors with a hint of indulgence. Salted caramel and banana together create a moist, flavorful bread that’s equally suited to breakfast or dessert. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a household favorite!
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