Salted Caramel Banana Bread: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Indulgence

Looking for the perfect banana bread recipe with a twist? This Salted Caramel Banana Bread takes classic comfort food to a whole new level with a rich, buttery salted caramel glaze drizzled over a moist, cinnamon-spiced loaf. The combination of sweet, ripe bananas and deep, caramelized sugar creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this foolproof recipe will guide you through creating a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between sweet and salty. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Ultra-Moist Texture – Thanks to ripe bananas and sour cream, this loaf stays incredibly soft.
✔️ Warm, Cozy Flavors – A touch of cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of bananas.
✔️ Decadent Salted Caramel Glaze – A silky, buttery caramel drizzle takes this bread to the next level.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe beginner-friendly.

Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Banana Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure while keeping the bread tender.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and enhances the banana flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed) – Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness.
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature – Ensures a rich and tender crumb.
• 2 eggs – Help bind the ingredients together while adding richness.
• ⅓ cup sour cream – Keeps the bread extra moist and soft.
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed – The star ingredient! Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and flavor.
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the depth of flavor in the bread.

For the Salted Caramel Glaze:

• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed) – Creates the deep caramel flavor.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and a silky texture.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream – Gives the glaze a smooth, pourable consistency.
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar – Thickens the glaze for the perfect drizzling texture.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Elevates the caramel flavor and balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish & Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside—this will help evenly distribute the leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the brown sugar and butter together until creamy and smooth. This step helps create an airy, tender loaf.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

• Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
• Mix in the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the bread dense.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Pro Tip: If the top of the bread starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Prepare the Salted Caramel Glaze

While the banana bread cools, make the glaze:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, then remove from heat.
4. Whisk in the powdered sugar and kosher salt until smooth.

Step 8: Drizzle & Enjoy!

Let the glaze cool for about 5 minutes, then pour it generously over the slightly warm banana bread. Let the glaze set before slicing—if you can resist!

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread

✔️ Use Overripe Bananas – The more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
✔️ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined to avoid a dense, chewy texture.
✔️ Let the Bread Cool Slightly Before Glazing – This ensures the caramel drizzle sets beautifully on top instead of soaking in too quickly.
✔️ Make It Your Own – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or swirl in chocolate chips for extra decadence!

Serving Suggestions

This Salted Caramel Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but for an even more indulgent experience, try pairing it with:
A Glass of Cold Milk – Perfect for balancing the sweetness.
Freshly Brewed Coffee – The bitterness of coffee enhances the caramel flavors.
A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream – The warm bread with melting ice cream is pure heaven!

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Banana Bread Recipe

This Salted Caramel Banana Bread is the ultimate fusion of sweet, salty, and buttery goodness. The moist banana loaf combined with the silky caramel glaze creates a bakery-quality treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a cozy homemade dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, grab those ripe bananas and start baking—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!