Cinnamon Banana Bread with Caramel Glaze

#### For the Caramel Glaze:
– **1/2 cup unsalted butter**
– **1/2 cup brown sugar** (packed)
– **1/4 cup heavy cream**
– **1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **Pinch of salt**

### How to Make Cinnamon Banana Bread with Caramel Glaze

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**
Begin by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a standard **9×5-inch loaf pan** with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.

#### 2. **Mash the Bananas**
In a small bowl, **mash the bananas** with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth, with just a few lumps remaining. You want about **1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas**, which will contribute to the moisture and flavor of the bread.

#### 3. **Make the Banana Bread Batter**
In a large mixing bowl, **cream the softened butter** and **granulated sugar** together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy—about **2-3 minutes**. Add the **eggs**, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the **vanilla extract** and the **mashed bananas**.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, **salt**, and **cinnamon**. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the **buttermilk**. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as that can result in a denser bread.

#### 4. **Bake the Banana Bread**
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about **60-65 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

**Tip**: If the bread begins to brown too quickly on top, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

#### 5. **Make the Caramel Glaze**
While the banana bread is cooling slightly, make the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the **brown sugar** and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for **2-3 minutes**, stirring constantly.

Slowly pour in the **heavy cream**, followed by the **vanilla extract** and a pinch of **salt**. Stir until the glaze is smooth and fully combined. Let the glaze simmer for another 2 minutes to thicken, then remove from heat.

**Tip**: If you want a thicker glaze, let it cool slightly before drizzling over the bread. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

#### 6. **Glaze the Banana Bread**
Once the banana bread has cooled for about **10 minutes** in the pan, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the bread is fully cooled (or still slightly warm), drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to drip down the sides of the bread for an extra decadent touch.

#### 7. **Slice and Enjoy**
Allow the caramel glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the banana bread. Each slice should be soft, moist, and loaded with sweet banana flavor, complemented perfectly by the cinnamon-spiced crumb. The **caramel glaze** adds the ideal finishing touch, creating a shiny, sweet topping that makes every bite feel like a special treat.

### Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Banana Bread

– **Use Overripe Bananas**: The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the banana bread will be. In fact, the overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal for this recipe, as they lend a rich, natural sweetness to the bread.

– **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing the batter can lead to dense banana bread instead of light and fluffy results.

– **Test for Doneness**: Oven times can vary, so start checking the banana bread after **55 minutes** by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. If there’s batter sticking to the toothpick, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

– **Make It Your Own**: You can easily customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even a handful of dried fruit like raisins or cranberries to the batter for added texture and flavor.

– **Storage**: This banana bread stays moist for several days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze slices for up to **3 months**—simply thaw and reheat before serving.

### Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Banana Bread with Caramel Glaze

This **Cinnamon Banana Bread with Caramel Glaze** is the perfect combination of indulgent and comforting. The **cinnamon-spiced banana bread** is tender and full of flavor, while the **caramel glaze** adds an extra layer of decadence. Every bite is a delicious contrast of soft, spiced banana bread and rich, gooey caramel—a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a weekend breakfast, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this banana bread will not disappoint. The recipe is easy enough for beginner bakers, yet it’s sophisticated enough to impress your guests. It’s a treat that’s guaranteed to disappear fast!

So, the next time you have a few ripe bananas sitting on your counter, turn them into the best banana bread you’ve ever tasted. With its cinnamon warmth, moist texture, and luxurious caramel glaze, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Happy baking!