Name: Indulge in Salted Caramel Banana Bread
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the bread.; 1 tsp baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise.; ½ tsp baking powder: Another leavening agent that adds lightness.; ½ tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.; 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the dish, contributing moisture and sweetness.; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the bread.; ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread.; ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds depth with its molasses flavor.; 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.; 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with its aromatic qualities.; ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the bread.; 1 cup granulated sugar: The base for the caramel.; ½ cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and balances the sweetness.; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed: Incorporates richness into the sauce.; 1 tsp sea salt: Elevates the flavor by adding contrast to the sweetness.

Description

Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this salted caramel banana bread, soft and full of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the bread.
1 tsp baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
½ tsp baking powder: Another leavening agent that adds lightness.
½ tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the dish, contributing moisture and sweetness.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the bread.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread.
¼ cup brown sugar: Adds depth with its molasses flavor.
2 large eggs, at room temperature: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with its aromatic qualities.
½ cup whole milk or buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the bread.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar: The base for the caramel.
½ cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and balances the sweetness.
4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed: Incorporates richness into the sauce.
1 tsp sea salt: Elevates the flavor by adding contrast to the sweetness.

Instructions

Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 1 cup granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns into a smooth, amber liquid. Be careful not to burn it. Once melted, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and stir until it’s completely melted. Slowly pour in ½ cup heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Allow it to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp sea salt. Let it cool before using.
Prepare the Banana Bread Batter:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. In another bowl, mix 3 ripe bananas, mashed, ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs (at room temperature), 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated; don’t overmix, as this may result in dense bread.
Assemble the Banana Bread:Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the cooled salted caramel sauce over the batter and use a skewer or knife to gently swirl it together. Pour in the remaining batter and top with the remaining caramel sauce, lightly swirling again for a marbled effect.
Bake:Bake the banana bread for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy:Slice the banana bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. Drizzle extra salted caramel over the top for indulgence. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.