Salted Caramel Banana Bread (Ultra Moist with a Decadent Twist)
Take your classic banana bread to the next level with this Salted Caramel Banana Bread — a rich, indulgent loaf swirled with buttery caramel and topped with a hint of sea salt for the perfect sweet-salty finish.
This isn’t your grandma’s banana bread (though she’d probably approve). It’s ultra-moist, deeply flavorful, and layered with gooey ribbons of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a midday treat, this banana bread will become the reason people start asking you, “Can I get that recipe?”
Ingredients & Why They Work
For the Banana Bread:
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3 ripe bananas (mashed) – The star of the show. Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and rich banana flavor.
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½ cup unsalted butter (melted) – Creates a tender, buttery crumb.
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¾ cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses depth.
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2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients and contribute to the fluffy structure.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
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1½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and balance.
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1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise properly.
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½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Salted Caramel Swirl:
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⅓ to ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) – Adds indulgent gooey texture and deep caramel flavor.
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Flaky sea salt (for topping) – Elevates the flavor contrast and adds visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥1. Preheat & Prep
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
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In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
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Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined — do not overmix, or the bread may become dense.
4. Layer the Caramel
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl.
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Add the remaining batter on top, followed by another drizzle of caramel. Swirl again for a marbled effect.
5. Bake
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a little caramel on it is okay).
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt while warm for a gourmet finish.
Why This Banana Bread Stands Out
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Sweet and salty perfection – The caramel swirl adds richness, while the sea salt balances every bite.
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Moist, tender crumb – Melted butter and ripe bananas create bakery-level texture.
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Simple ingredients – No mixer required, no fancy tools.
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Freezer-friendly – Make it ahead and freeze for later indulgence.
Pro Tips for Success
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Use overripe bananas – The more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful.
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Don’t skip the swirl – Lightly drag a knife through the caramel to create gooey pockets in every slice.
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Homemade caramel? Let it cool slightly before swirling so it doesn’t sink.
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Want even more indulgence? Add chocolate chips or chopped toasted pecans to the batter.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Salted Caramel Banana Bread pairs beautifully with:
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A latte or cold brew in the morning
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
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A drizzle of extra warm caramel just before serving
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A sprinkle of toasted coconut or cinnamon sugar for added flair
Final Thoughts: A Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again
This isn’t just banana bread — it’s comfort food with a caramelized twist. Rich, moist, and effortlessly elegant, this Salted Caramel Banana Bread is the kind of recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something unforgettable.
So whether you’re baking for your family, gifting a loaf to a friend, or just craving a warm slice with your afternoon coffee, this is the banana bread you’ll come back to again and again.
📌 Save this recipe. Share it. Bake it today — because dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to be unforgettable.