Moist Banana Bread with a Cinnamon-Caramel Swirl and Drizzle

This Caramel Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread recipe, featuring a luscious homemade caramel swirl throughout and a drizzle on top. It’s rich, moist, and perfectly balanced with the warmth of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a comforting snack, this banana bread is bound to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the comforting flavor of banana bread with indulgent caramel
• Moist texture with just the right amount of sweetness
• Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps
• Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea
• Can be made dairy-free with simple substitutions
• Great way to use overripe bananas
• Freezes well for future snacking
• Beautiful presentation with a caramel swirl
• Crowd-pleasing treat for gatherings or gifting

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Banana Bread:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk of choice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 3/4 cups all-purpose or spelt flour

For the Caramel Swirl & Drizzle:
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon milk
Pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted coconut oil. Mix in the maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and milk.
3. Add the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, stirring to combine. Gradually fold in the flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and bubbling, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce on top and swirl gently with a knife. Repeat with the remaining batter and caramel.
6. Bake for 45–55 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. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Caramel Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for added richness.
• Nutty Version: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for the caramel and batter.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more autumn-inspired flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. Add a drizzle of warm caramel before serving if desired.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost black for the sweetest flavor and softest texture.

Can I make this banana bread without the caramel swirl?

Yes, you can omit the caramel for a classic banana bread, though the swirl adds a delicious flavor boost.

What can I use instead of coconut oil?

Melted butter or a neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil can be used in place of coconut oil.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey works well as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

With plant-based milk, maple syrup, and vegan butter, this recipe can easily be made vegan.

How do I prevent the banana bread from becoming too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter, and ensure your baking soda is fresh for proper leavening.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and use two loaf pans. Adjust baking time as needed.

Can I add fruit or berries to the batter?

Yes, blueberries or chopped dates can be added, but be sure not to overload the batter with moisture-heavy fruit.

How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes, divide the batter among muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

Conclusion

This Caramel Swirl Banana Bread brings together the comfort of a classic banana loaf with the irresistible sweetness of homemade caramel. With its moist texture, warm cinnamon undertones, and beautiful swirl effect, it’s a bakery-quality treat you can make at home. Whether served as a breakfast indulgence or a cozy dessert, it’s sure to satisfy every time.

Print