Simple Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe That Wows

Whole wheat cinnamon crunch banana bread reinvents ordinary quick bread into a wholesome, irresistible treat.

Hearty grains and warming spices elevate this classic comfort recipe beyond basic expectations.

Each slice promises a delightful contrast between tender, moist interior and crispy, caramelized exterior.

Nutty undertones from whole wheat flour create a robust foundation for sweet, ripe bananas.

Natural sugars caramelize during baking, developing complex layers of flavor that dance across your palate.

Delicate cinnamon swirls add warmth and depth, turning a simple banana bread into an extraordinary experience.

Home bakers will adore how effortlessly this recipe combines nutritious ingredients with decadent textures.

Why You’ll Love Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

• Crunch Meets Comfort: Experience the delightful contrast of soft, moist banana bread with a crispy, sweet cinnamon crumb topping that adds an irresistible textural excitement to every bite.
• Wholesome Goodness Upgrade: Swap traditional white flour for whole wheat, boosting nutrition without sacrificing flavor, making this banana bread a smarter, healthier treat that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Effortless Baking Delight: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple mixing techniques and minimal prep time, delivering a bakery-quality result with minimal kitchen stress and maximum satisfaction.

What Goes in Banana Bread

Main Ingredients:

Flour Group: – Whole Wheat Flour: Hearty base for the bread with nutty flavor and extra nutrition. – All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness to the banana bread.

Wet Ingredients: – Ripe Bananas: Sweet, soft fruit that adds moisture and natural sweetness to the bread. – Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the bread together and provides richness.

Fat Group: – Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb in the bread.

Sweeteners and Spices:

Sugar Group: – Brown Sugar: Deep caramel-like sweetness that enhances the bread’s flavor. – Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with texture.

Spice Group: – Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that adds depth and classic banana bread flavor.

Leavening and Binding:

Baking Group: – Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture. – Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Additional Ingredients: – Vanilla Extract: Adds complexity and rounds out the bread’s flavor profile.

Baking Steps for Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Heat the oven to 360°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Rub in butter with fingertips until crumbly. Chill topping in refrigerator until needed.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix all dry ingredients until well blended.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a large measuring jug, stir together all wet ingredients until completely combined.

Step 5: Mix Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold together until flour is just moistened. A few small lumps are perfect and normal.

Step 6: Assemble and Top Bread

Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle chilled crumb topping across the surface.

Step 7: Bake Banana Bread

Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when bread is fully baked.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan using parchment paper and transfer to wire rack. Cool completely before slicing and enjoying your delicious banana bread.

Banana Bread Tips to Keep It Moist

• Select Ripe Bananas: Choose overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
• Fold Gently: Mix wet and dry ingredients minimally to prevent tough, dense bread and maintain a tender crumb.
• Check Moisture Level: Watch batter consistency – it should be thick but not dry, ensuring a moist final texture.
• Test Doneness Accurately: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Enhance Crunch Factor: Lightly toast nuts or add extra cinnamon crumb topping for increased texture and flavor complexity.

Storage and Reheating Advice

• Refrigeration: Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal carefully to prevent moisture loss and maintain texture.
• Freezing: Slice bread before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices or whole loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator or at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Restore moisture by placing a damp paper towel over bread while reheating. Enjoy warm, soft banana bread that tastes just-baked.

What to Enjoy with Banana Bread

• Brew the Perfect Companion Drink: Pair this warm, spicy banana bread with a creamy chai latte or a smooth cold brew coffee to complement the cinnamon's rich warmth and enhance the bread's sweet banana notes.
• Create a Delightful Cheese Plate: Serve alongside a soft mascarpone or cream cheese spread, adding a luxurious creamy contrast to the bread's crunchy topping and dense texture.
• Elevate with Fruit Accompaniment: Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries or caramelized apple chunks to introduce a bright, tangy element that cuts through the bread's sweetness and adds a refreshing touch.
• Design a Nutty Topping Twist: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the bread to amplify the existing crunch and introduce a rich, earthy undertone that complements the whole wheat base.

Banana Bread Variations You’ll Love

• Nutty Banana Bliss: Replace some whole wheat flour with almond or hazelnut flour for a rich, nutty flavor and extra protein boost.
• Chocolate Chip Crunch: Fold in dark chocolate chips into the batter and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the crumb topping for a decadent upgrade.
• Tropical Banana Paradise: Add shredded coconut to the crumb topping and mix in chopped macadamia nuts into the batter for a Hawaiian-inspired version of the classic banana bread.
• Spiced Warmth Blend: Enhance the cinnamon with a pinch of ground cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger to create a more complex and warming spice profile.

Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread marries wholesome whole wheat flour with sweet ripe bananas and a crunchy cinnamon topping. Rich flavors and hearty textures combine, offering a delightful twist that leaves people craving another slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup flour (plain or whole wheat)
• ½ cup brown sugar

Leavening and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup oil
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182 degrees Celsius). Prepare a 9×5 inch (23×13 centimeters) loaf pan by greasing the interior and lining with parchment paper.
2. Create the crumb topping by combining whole wheat flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl. Using fingertips, gently work cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture until coarse, irregular crumbs develop. Place the topping in the refrigerator to maintain its texture.
3. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend all dry ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Separately, whisk together ripe mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar in a large measuring jug until smooth and well incorporated.
5. Gently fold the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing. A few small lumps in the batter are acceptable and desirable.
6. Transfer the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping uniformly across the surface.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
8. Allow the banana bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove using parchment paper edges and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Whole wheat flour brings extra nutrition and a nutty depth to this classic banana bread, making it a healthier twist on the traditional recipe.
• The crumb topping adds irresistible crunch and warmth from cinnamon, transforming an ordinary banana bread into a bakery-style treat.
• Overmixing can create tough bread, so fold wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined, leaving a few small lumps in the batter.
• Ripe, speckled bananas are the secret to intense sweetness and moisture, so save those browning bananas instead of throwing them away.
• Cool the bread completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and ensure clean, beautiful cuts that showcase the bread’s tender texture.
• Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for a make-ahead breakfast or snack option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg