Gluten-Free Caramelized Banana Bread - A Recipe from Bake from Scratch

      Banana bread is a favorite among many, and this caramelized variation is one of our finest creations. Consider this a breakfast-style bread reminiscent of Bananas Foster. Adorned with golden halves of caramelized banana and infused with a touch of cinnamon, this loaf elevates the sweetness of bananas to new heights. With the help of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, this quick bread has been made into a gluten-free delight.

      Yields 1 (8½x4½-inch) loaf

      - 1⅔ cups (246 grams) Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour

      - ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking soda

      - ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) kosher salt

      - ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) baking powder

      - 1⅛ cups (255 grams) mashed ripe banana (approximately 3 medium bananas)

      - ¾ cup (165 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar

      - ⅓ cup plus 2 teaspoons (86 grams) unsalted butter, melted

      - ¼ cup (60 grams) sour cream, at room temperature

      - 2 large eggs (100 grams), at room temperature

      - 1 teaspoon (4 grams) vanilla extract

      - ½ teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon

      - Caramelized Banana (recipe below)

      - Softened butter, for serving

      Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C). Lightly spritz an 8½x4½-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the edges. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. In a larger bowl, mix mashed banana, brown sugar, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Gradually fold in the flour mixture until just blended. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, then arrange the Caramelized Banana halves, cut sides up, atop the batter. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift the loaf out and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with softened butter.

      We’d love to hear how it turned out!

      Caramelized Banana

      Yields 2 banana halves

      - 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter

      - 2 tablespoons (28 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar

      - 1 medium banana (124 grams), halved lengthwise

      In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Gently press the brown sugar onto each cut side of the banana. Cook the banana halves, cut side down, in the skillet until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully turn them over and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside until ready to use.

      We’d love to hear how it turned out!

      Caramelized Banana Essentials

      The secret to our exceptional banana bread is the Caramelized Banana topping. Here’s how to prepare this decadent addition.

      Unlike the overripe bananas used in the batter, the banana for the topping should be ripe yet firm so that it slices easily and maintains its shape during cooking. Look for bananas that are not green and do not have brown spots. Using a sharp paring knife, halve the banana lengthwise.

      In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. The butter serves as a smooth basting liquid that helps cook the banana halves without sticking.

      Gently press the brown sugar onto each cut side of the banana. This technique enhances caramelization since the sugar caramelizes directly on the bananas rather than being cooked into the butter, giving a brûléed effect.

      Place the banana halves, cut side down, in the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully turn them and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let them rest until you’re ready to use them. Take your time with the caramelization process, as each minute creates a beautiful golden crust on the banana halves. Once the cut sides are caramelized, turning them over will ensure a quicker caramel soak and sear. Once finished, the banana halves can be set aside until the batter is ready.

      Arrange the Caramelized Banana cut sides up on top of the batter.