Salted Caramel Banana Bread Recipe (Moist & Easy)

Salted caramel banana bread combines the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas with rich, gooey caramel swirls and a drizzle on top for an irresistible treat. This recipe delivers a moist, tender loaf that elevates classic banana bread into dessert territory.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic banana bread gets a gourmet twist with homemade salted caramel folded right into the batter. The result tastes like a warm hug from your favorite bakery, with caramelized edges and perfect balance of sweet and salty. Home bakers rave about its ease and crowd-pleasing flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these simple pantry staples for the best results. Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1/4 cup (57g) salted butter
• 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
• 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 ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) prepared salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.

Common Substitutions	Notes
Store-bought caramel	Use thick sauce like Stonewall Kitchen; skip homemade step
Dairy-free milk	Almond or oat milk works well
Gluten-free flour	1:1 blend; reduce liquid slightly
Vegan eggs	Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water each)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these numbered steps for foolproof results. Prep time takes 15 minutes, bake time 55 to 60 minutes.

1. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir frequently until sugar dissolves and mixture boils, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, simmer 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat, pour into a heatproof jar, and cool completely. This yields about 1 cup; use 1/2 cup in batter, reserve rest for drizzling.​
2. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl with electric mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs one at a time, then milk and vanilla until smooth.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually stir into wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in bananas and caramel: Gently fold in mashed bananas and 1/2 cup cooled caramel sauce. For swirls, dollop extra caramel into batter and swirl lightly with a knife. Add nuts if using.
7. Bake: Pour batter into pan. Bake 55 to 60 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Tent with foil after 40 minutes if browning too fast.
8. Cool and serve: Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Drizzle with remaining caramel once fully cooled. Slice and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

Mash bananas until smooth but with some small chunks for texture. Room-temperature ingredients ensure even mixing and rise. Swirl caramel gently to create ribbons, not fully blended streaks. Test doneness early to prevent dry bread.

Ripening Hack for Unripe Bananas

Slice unripe bananas lengthwise, sprinkle with brown sugar, and roast at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until soft and caramelized. Mash as usual for instant ripe flavor.

Storage and Freezing

Store airtight at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week. For longer, wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or toast from frozen.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour or 1:1 gluten-free blend. Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if not included.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips with bananas.
• Muffin Style: Divide into 12 muffin cups, bake 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice, 12 slices)

Approximate values based on standard ingredients.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Total Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	47g
Protein	4g
Fiber	1.5g
Sugar	32g

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or coffee for breakfast, snack, or dessert. This salted caramel banana bread disappears fast, so double the batch! Share your results in the comments below.

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