Caramel Banana Bread

Caramel Banana Bread

Ingredients:

For the Banana Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

For the Caramel Glaze:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Making the Banana Bread:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. If using, you can also add the ground cinnamon at this stage.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate bananas and sour cream: Add the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the mixture, and mix until combined.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too much, cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Caramel Glaze:

1. Melt butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add sugar and cream: Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Finish the glaze: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the glaze cool for a few minutes to thicken.

Glazing the Bread:

1. Apply the glaze: Once the banana bread has cooled, pour the caramel glaze over the top of the loaf. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, allowing some to drip down the sides.
2. Set the glaze: Let the bread sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
3. Serve: Slice the bread and enjoy! This banana bread is perfect as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast.

Tips:

• For an extra decadent treat, you can drizzle additional caramel sauce over each slice when serving.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, allow the caramel to cool further before pouring it over the bread.

This Caramel Banana Bread combines the moist, flavorful richness of banana bread with a sweet, buttery caramel glaze for a truly indulgent treat! Enjoy!