Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread: A Delightful Twist on a Beloved Classic

Elevate your banana bread game with this Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread recipe, a perfect blend of moist, fluffy bread with a sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar crust. This recipe takes the classic comfort of banana bread and adds a delightful twist with its crunchy topping, proving that sometimes, simplicity truly is the best. Made with a combination of gluten-free and almond flours, it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This: The warmth of cinnamon paired with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas creates a comforting and irresistible loaf that’s hard to beat. The olive oil adds a light and moist texture to the bread, while the almond flour introduces a subtle nuttiness and boosts the nutritional profile. The cinnamon crunch topping provides a satisfying contrast to the soft bread beneath, making each slice a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Perfect Occasion: This Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread is ideal for a cozy breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack with tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. It’s versatile enough for casual gatherings yet special enough to serve during the holidays or at brunches.

Decoration Tips:

• After cooling, drizzle the top with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice for an extra touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish.
• Garnish with banana slices or additional cinnamon before serving for added flair.
• Serve slices on a plate dusted with cinnamon sugar to reinforce the flavor theme and enhance presentation.

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Cinnamon Crunch Topping:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the mashed bananas, olive oil, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, almond flour, sea salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top for that irresistible crunch.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the banana bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure the perfect texture and to make slicing easier.

Indulge in this Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread, where each bite offers the ultimate comfort food experience, enhanced by the delightful contrast of soft banana bread and a crunchy cinnamon topping. Enjoy the simple pleasures of baking with this easy yet exquisite recipe.