Rustic Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe

Rustic Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe to Savor

Warm, comforting whole wheat cinnamon crunch banana bread stands as a delightful twist on the classic quick bread everyone adores.

Overripe bananas find new life in this wholesome creation, promising rich flavor with every slice.

Nutty whole wheat flour adds depth and nutrition to the mix.

Crunchy cinnamon streusel creates an irresistible topping that makes this bread impossible to resist.

The aroma of baking banana bread will drift through your kitchen, tempting taste buds and warming hearts.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Grab those ripe bananas and get ready to bake a bread that elevates your breakfast or afternoon snack.

Baking Tools for Whole Wheat Banana Bread

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Medium Bowl: Perfect for creating the delicious crumb topping.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Loaf Pan (9×5 inch): Key for shaping and baking the banana bread.
  • Whisk or Spatula: Great for mixing wet and dry ingredients.
  • Measuring Jug: Helpful for combining liquid ingredients precisely.
  • Toothpick: Handy for checking bread doneness.
  • Wire Rack: Ideal for cooling the banana bread completely.
  • Parchment Paper: Useful for easy bread removal and preventing sticking.

How to Bake Banana Bread with Cinnamon Crunch

  • Crumb Topping Preparation

Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Gently work butter into the mixture using fingertips until small clumps form. Chill the topping while preparing the bread.

  • Dry Ingredients Blend

Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, whole wheat, baking powder, salt, and spices.

  • Wet Ingredients Fusion

In a separate container, whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and any liquid sweeteners until smooth and well integrated.

  • Batter Assembly

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix just until flour disappears, maintaining a slightly lumpy texture. This technique prevents overworking the batter and keeps the bread tender.

  • Baking Process

Transfer batter to a greased loaf pan. Sprinkle chilled crumb topping evenly across the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 360°F for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.

  • Cooling and Serving

Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the rich, cinnamon-infused banana bread with its delightful crunchy topping.

Tips to Elevate Your Banana Bread Flavor

  • Swap some of the all-purpose flour with ground flaxseed or chia seeds to boost nutritional value and add a subtle nutty undertone.
  • Fold in dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut into the batter for unexpected bursts of flavor and excitement.
  • Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for longer enjoyment.

Presenting Banana Bread the Cozy Way

  • Serve Warm and Cozy: Slice the banana bread while it's still slightly warm and enjoy the comforting aroma of cinnamon and fresh-baked goodness.
  • Pair with Creamy Companions: Top each slice with a dollop of softened butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.
  • Create Breakfast Brilliance: Transform this banana bread into a delightful breakfast by toasting a slice and spreading almond butter or pairing with a morning coffee.
  • Gift with Love: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Storage Tips for Crunchy Banana Bread

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping the delightful cinnamon crunch topping crisp and fresh.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick and delicious treat anytime.
  • Slice and Separate: Before freezing, slice the bread to make it easier to grab individual portions without thawing the entire loaf.
  • Keep Moisture in Check: Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture and prevent the bread from becoming soggy, maintaining its perfect texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

For Crumb Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the crispy, delightful topping.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps create a crunchy, golden-brown layer.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that complements the banana bread perfectly.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds the topping ingredients and creates a rich, crumbly consistency.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • Whole Wheat Flour: Delivers nutty flavor and extra nutrition with its hearty whole grain profile.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Balances texture and ensures a tender crumb in the bread.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice throughout the bread.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and rich banana flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender, preventing dryness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the bread's flavor profile.
  • Greek Yogurt: Increases moisture and creates a tender, soft crumb.
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Rustic Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe

Rustic Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade whole wheat cinnamon crunch banana bread delivers classic comfort with a nutritious twist. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this bread perfect for breakfast or afternoon snacking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup (240 g) mashed bananas
  • ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
  • ½ cup (120 g) Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup (60 g) flour (plain or whole wheat)
  • ½ cup (110 g) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) oil
  • ¼ cup (60 g) butter
  • ¼ cup (60 g) butter
  • ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
  • 2 tsps ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tsps baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 360°F (182°C). Coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with grease and line with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Crumb Topping Creation: Blend whole wheat flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Integrate cold unsalted butter using fingertips until forming irregular, coarse crumbs. Chill the mixture to preserve texture.
  3. Dry Ingredient Integration: Thoroughly combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, guaranteeing uniform distribution.
  4. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Whisk ripe mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar in a measuring jug until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
  5. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold liquid ingredients into dry mixture, minimizing stirring to prevent overmixing. Tolerate small lumps for optimal texture.
  6. Pan Preparation and Topping: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Distribute chilled crumb topping uniformly across the surface.
  7. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted centrally emerges clean. Rest bread in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack using parchment paper edges. Allow complete cooling before slicing.

Notes

  • Banana Ripeness Matters: Use overripe, deeply speckled bananas for maximum natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
  • Prevent Dry Bread: Minimize mixing to keep the batter tender and avoid developing tough gluten strands that make bread dense.
  • Crumb Topping Technique: Refrigerate the topping before sprinkling to ensure crisp, defined crumbly texture during baking.
  • Storage Tip: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 4 days at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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