Move over, classic banana bread; it's time for Salted Caramel Banana Bread to take the spotlight! This recipe elevates the humble banana bread with the rich, velvety addition of homemade salted caramel, creating a moist, flavorful loaf that's irresistibly indulgent. Perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and salty combination, this banana bread variant offers a delightful contrast that enhances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Rich Caramel Flavor: The homemade caramel sauce, integrated into the batter and used as a topping, provides a deep, rich flavor that complements the bananas perfectly.
- Moist and Tender: The combination of buttery banana bread and caramel results in a loaf that's exceptionally moist and tender.
- Exciting Twist on a Classic: This recipe adds an exciting, gourmet twist to traditional banana bread, making it a fresh and novel treat for any occasion.
Perfect Occasion: Salted Caramel Banana Bread is fantastic for coffee breaks, brunches, or as a luxurious dessert after a family dinner. It's also an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or as a special treat to share with friends and colleagues.
Decoration Tips:
- Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle additional warm caramel over each slice for a mouthwatering presentation.
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel adds a brilliant contrast and enhances the caramel's flavor.
- Banana Slices and Nuts: Decorate with thin banana slices and a handful of chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
Ingredients: For the caramel sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (any choice)
For the banana bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Directions:
- Make the caramel sauce: In a saucepan, bring butter to a boil, reduce heat to medium, add brown sugar and milk, and whisk until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare banana bread: In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla, and mix until combined. Whisk in the eggs just until incorporated.
- Stir in the flour and baking powder until blended. Gently mix in 1/4 cup of the cooled caramel sauce; be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into a lined loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once cooled, spread the remaining caramel on top of the bread.
Enjoy! Slice into this luxurious Salted Caramel Banana Bread and experience a deliciously rich treat that's sure to become a new favorite.