Snickerdoodle Banana Bread

### **How to Make Snickerdoodle Banana Bread**

#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread later.

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#### **Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients**
1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas.
2. Add the melted butter to the bananas and mix well.
3. Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and combined.
4. Add the sour cream (or yogurt) to the mixture, and stir until incorporated. The sour cream adds extra moisture to the bread and helps make it incredibly soft.

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#### **Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional ground nutmeg.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser texture.

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#### **Step 4: Add the Snickerdoodle Topping**
1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
2. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to make the snickerdoodle topping.
3. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter. This creates the signature snickerdoodle crust that will form while baking.

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#### **Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread**
1. Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
2. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly before the center is fully cooked, tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
3. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Once the Snickerdoodle Banana Bread has cooled, slice it up and serve. The cinnamon-sugar topping will give every bite a delightful sweetness and spice, while the banana bread itself remains moist and flavorful.
2. Enjoy as-is or with a spread of butter for an extra indulgent treat.

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### **Why You’ll Love Snickerdoodle Banana Bread**

– **The Best of Both Worlds:** This recipe combines the best parts of banana bread and snickerdoodles, offering the sweet and spiced flavor of cinnamon-sugar with the moist and rich texture of banana bread.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a quick snack, or just want something delicious to enjoy with your coffee, this Snickerdoodle Banana Bread fits the bill.
– **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and an easy process, this banana bread comes together quickly and bakes perfectly every time.
– **Great for Leftovers:** If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this bread stays moist for days and even makes a great addition to a lunchbox or as a quick breakfast option.
– **Kid-Friendly:** The sweet and cinnamon-spiced flavor will be a hit with kids and adults alike.

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### **Tips for the Best Snickerdoodle Banana Bread**

1. **Use Ripe Bananas:** The riper your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Brown spots on bananas are ideal for this recipe.
2. **Don’t Overmix:** Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture.
3. **Add Mix-ins:** If you like, you can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter to customize your banana bread even further.
4. **Check for Doneness:** Since oven temperatures can vary, check the bread at the 60-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
5. **Let it Cool Completely:** Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to help set the texture and flavor.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– **Serve with Coffee or Tea:** A warm slice of Snickerdoodle Banana Bread pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a great breakfast or afternoon snack.
– **Top with Nut Butter:** For an added protein boost, spread peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella on top of each slice for extra flavor and creaminess.
– **Enjoy with a Scoop of Ice Cream:** For a decadent dessert, serve a slice of this banana bread with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side.

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### **Conclusion**

**Snickerdoodle Banana Bread** is the perfect blend of two beloved treats—banana bread and snickerdoodles—bringing together the best of both worlds. With its soft, moist texture and delightful cinnamon-sugar topping, this bread is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this delicious twist on classic banana bread is guaranteed to impress.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible, cinnamon-sugar-kissed Snickerdoodle Banana Bread today!