Salted Caramel Banana Bread

Imagine the combination of soft, moist banana bread with the sweet and salty flavor of caramel. This Salted Caramel Banana Bread takes the classic banana bread recipe to a whole new level by infusing it with rich salted caramel sauce, giving every bite an irresistible burst of flavor. Topped with a warm drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce, this dessert is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or as a dessert, this banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Salted Caramel Banana Bread is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves sweet and savory combinations. The richness of the salted caramel sauce adds a depth of flavor to the moist banana bread, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and saltiness. The warm caramel drizzle on top makes each slice even more decadent and comforting. Not only does this recipe deliver on flavor, but it’s also easy to make. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas while treating yourself to something extra special. Whether you’re baking for yourself or to share, this bread will quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1/4 cup (57g) salted butter

• 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Banana Bread

• 1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 cup (245g) mashed bananas

• 1/2 cup (120ml) salted caramel sauce

Directions

Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, stir together the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt.

2. Cook over medium-high heat while stirring frequently until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to boil.

3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes without stirring.

4. Remove the sauce from the stovetop and transfer it to a heatproof jar. Let it cool.

Banana Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar.

3. Add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well.

4. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda until almost combined.

5. Fold in the mashed bananas and 1/2 cup of salted caramel sauce until just combined.

6. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

7. Let the banana bread cool, then drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Cook time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Add nuts: You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nice crunch.

• Chocolate twist: Add chocolate chips or chunks for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the caramel.

• Banana bread muffins: Instead of a loaf, you can turn this recipe into banana bread muffins. Just adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes.

• Vegan version: Swap the butter with a vegan butter substitute, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) to make the bread vegan.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

• Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy it warm, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or heat it in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use ripe bananas in this recipe?

Yes, ripe bananas are perfect for banana bread. In fact, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.

2. Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the salted caramel sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds before using.

3. Can I freeze this banana bread?

Yes, this banana bread freezes well. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the oven.

4. How can I make the banana bread more moist?

If you find that your banana bread is a bit dry, try adding an extra tablespoon of butter or using a bit more mashed banana to enhance the moisture.

5. Can I make this recipe without salted caramel sauce?

While the salted caramel sauce adds a wonderful flavor to the bread, you can skip it if you prefer. The banana bread is delicious on its own, or you can use a different type of glaze or syrup.

6. Can I substitute the heavy cream in the salted caramel sauce?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture and richness of the sauce will be slightly different.

7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter if desired, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the banana bread and caramel sauce.

8. How do I know when my banana bread is fully baked?

The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it comes out wet, it needs more baking time.

9. Can I add other flavorings to the banana bread?

You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warmer, spiced flavor. You could also add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules for a unique twist.

10. Can I make this recipe without the vanilla extract?

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the banana bread, but you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand or prefer a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Banana Bread is a decadent treat that elevates the classic banana bread recipe with the rich flavor of homemade salted caramel. It’s soft, moist, and full of warm caramel goodness. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this banana bread is sure to impress. With the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, it’s an irresistible dessert or snack that will leave everyone coming back for more!