Ingredients
Banana Bread
- 3-4 medium bananas, or 2 large bananas
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Maple Glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or two 8x4 inch pans, and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mash banana mixture: In a small bowl, mash the bananas and combine them with brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened unsalted butter with sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Beat the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture until well incorporated.
- Sift and mix dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, then gently fold them into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Combine banana mixture: Pour the mashed banana mixture into the batter and mix until evenly combined.
- Pour batter into pans: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan(s), spreading evenly.
- Bake the bread: For two 8x4 pans, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until a cake tester inserted comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. For one 9x5 pan, bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until done.
- Cool the bread: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from the pan to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Remove from heat once melted.
- Add powdered sugar: Sift the powdered sugar into the melted mixture and whisk thoroughly until smooth. Let the glaze cool for 8-10 minutes to thicken.
- Glaze the banana bread: Stir the thickened glaze quickly and pour over the cooled banana bread evenly.
- Let glaze set: Allow the glaze to harden completely before slicing the bread.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and enjoy this delicious maple glazed banana bread as a sweet treat any time of day.
Notes
- For best results, use very ripe bananas as they bring maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help remove the bread easily.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven and pan size; always check with a toothpick or cake tester.
- The glaze should be slightly thickened before pouring to avoid running off the bread.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To soften the glaze if it hardens too quickly, warm gently before applying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American