Name: Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar Crust Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 ripe bananas, mashed; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup brown sugar, divided (¾ cup for batter, ¼ cup for topping)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly unforgettable banana bread experience, this Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar Crust is exactly what you need. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the deep, caramel notes of brown sugar baked into a crispy crust, this loaf is the perfect balance of tender, moist crumb and a satisfyingly crunchy topping. It’s a warm, comforting treat that feels like a hug right from the oven, ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a cozy dessert. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become your go-to banana bread formula.

Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar Crust Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, accessible ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each one playing a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture to brown sugar adding that signature crust and depth of taste, every component is essential for success.

3 ripe bananas, mashed: These are the heart of the bread, providing moisture and sweetness while lending a tender crumb.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and body to the bread.
1 cup brown sugar, divided: Adds a rich molasses flavor and forms the delightful brown sugar crust.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and buttery flavor, ensuring moistness throughout.
2 large eggs: Help bind ingredients while adding lift and fluffiness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds a warm, fragrant note.
1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures your bread rises perfectly.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brightens all the flavors.

How to Make Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar Crust

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and to help your loaf release easily once baked. This prep step ensures even cooking from start to finish.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly now helps your banana bread rise properly and guarantees every bite is perfectly seasoned and textured.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth, then mix in ¾ cup of the brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. This mixture blends sweetness, fat, and moisture for the tender crumb we’re after in this Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar Crust.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined—overmixing can make the bread dense and tough, so take your time and mix carefully, maintaining that light, airy texture.

Step 5: Add Batter to Pan and Sprinkle Brown Sugar

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar evenly over the surface of the batter. This step is key for that signature, crisp brown sugar crust that makes this banana bread stand out.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, testing for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps it set perfectly.

How to Serve Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar Crust

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, top your slices with a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese to complement the brown sugar crust. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey can also elevate both flavor and texture, transforming a simple slice into a gourmet delight.

Side Dishes

This banana bread is utterly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for a perfect morning combination. For a wholesome snack, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or your favorite yogurt for added freshness and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and layer your banana bread into mini sandwiches with peanut butter and thin apple slices or spread chocolate hazelnut spread between two slices for a decadent treat. You can also toast slices lightly and top them with ricotta and a touch of cinnamon for a sophisticated spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, wrap any leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days, maintaining that wonderful moist texture and the irresistible brown sugar crust.

Freezing

You can freeze the banana bread in airtight freezer bags or wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw the loaf in the refrigerator overnight or on the kitchen counter for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring out that freshly baked feeling. The brown sugar crust will regain some crispness if warmed carefully, making your slice taste as good as the day you baked it.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in the Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar Crust?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread, but keep in mind that the crust relies on the sugar for its signature crunch and flavor, so don’t cut it too much.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

For the best results, use bananas that are spotty and very soft. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

You can use an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, but butter gives a richer flavor and helps the bread achieve that moist, tender texture that’s key to this recipe.

Why does the Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar Crust call for brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Brown sugar contains molasses which not only adds moisture but also creates that beautiful caramelized crust. White sugar won’t develop the same depth of flavor or that signature crunchy top.

How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar Crust is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a little extra joy to your kitchen. With its tender crumb, rich banana flavor, and that delightful sugary crust, it’s a recipe to cherish and share. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home too.

Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar Crust Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Moist Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Crust is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Featuring ripe bananas blended into a tender crumb and topped with a sweet, crunchy brown sugar crust, this banana bread is perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack. The recipe balances the sweetness of brown sugar with vanilla and butter for a richly flavored loaf that’s moist and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweeteners

1 cup brown sugar, divided (¾ cup for batter, ¼ cup for topping)

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the mashed ripe bananas, ¾ cup brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Blend wet and dry: Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry flour mixture. Stir gently just until the ingredients are combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Prepare to bake: Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar evenly over the top to form a sweet, crunchy crust during baking.
Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread texture.
The brown sugar topping adds a delicious crust that contrasts with the moist inside.
Store banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American