Indulge your senses with the delightful aroma of freshly baked Maple Butter Banana Bread, perfectly complemented by luscious caramelized bananas! This recipe is not just any ordinary banana bread; it’s a decadent treat that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Imagine biting into a warm slice, where the sweetness of maple syrup mingles with the rich, buttery flavor, and the caramelized bananas add an irresistible touch of luxury. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy afternoon at home, this banana bread is sure to become your new favorite. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
- For caramelized bananas: Slice one banana into diagonal rounds. Sprinkle brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Once sugar starts to melt, add banana slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and caramelized. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the remaining two bananas until smooth and creamy.
- Add melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Layer the caramelized banana slices on top.
- Pour remaining batter over the caramelized bananas, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Drizzle additional maple syrup on top before serving for extra sweetness.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so stop as soon as you see no dry flour.
- Perfect Caramelization: For the caramelized bananas, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the sugar. This will help achieve that beautiful golden color and enhance the flavor.
- Add Texture: Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes early. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is done.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra indulgent treat, serve warm slices with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
