Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

If you’re looking for a delicious and wholesome treat to share with your family, this Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread is just what you need! It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and makes everyone feel right at home. Perfect for busy mornings or cozy afternoons, this banana bread is not only easy to whip up but also packs in nutrients thanks to whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt. I promise, once you take a bite of that crunchy cinnamon topping, you’ll be hooked!

This recipe shines during family gatherings or as a delightful snack for kids after school. It’s an excellent way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Trust me; this will become a favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time! Perfect for those busy days when you want something homemade without the hassle.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet taste and crumbly topping while parents appreciate the healthier ingredients. It’s a win-win!
• Make Ahead: Bake a loaf at the beginning of the week, and it’ll be ready to enjoy any day! Great for meal prep.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and bananas creates a comforting flavor that warms the heart and the home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will make your baking experience enjoyable and stress-free. You likely have most of them on hand already!

For the Bread

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• ¾ cup sugar (you can reduce to 1/3 – 1/2 cup for a less sweet version)
• ⅓ cup oil
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour (see notes for substitutes)
• ¼ cup cornstarch (or more whole wheat flour)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping

• ½ cup flour (plain or whole wheat)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter

Variations

This Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have available or your personal preferences.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: If you’re feeling indulgent, add a handful of dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Use Different Yogurt: Swap out Greek yogurt for applesauce if you’re looking to lower the fat content.
• Play with Spices: Experiment by adding nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 360°F. This ensures it’s hot enough when your batter is ready. Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This step makes it super easy to remove the bread later!

Step 2: Make Topping

For that irresistible crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Use your fingertips to rub in the butter until small crumbs form. Refrigerate this mixture while you prepare the bread; keeping it cold helps maintain its texture during baking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add all your dry ingredients—whole wheat flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir them together until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your bread.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large measuring jug, mix together all wet ingredients: eggs, mashed bananas, sugar, oil, and Greek yogurt until everything is blended smoothly. This is where all that moisture comes from!

Step 5: Assemble Bread

Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients and gently fold them together just until moistened—don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. Once combined, place the batter into your prepared loaf tin and sprinkle that delicious crumb topping evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Banana Bread

Now it’s time to bake! Place your loaf pan in the oven and let it bake for around 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when done. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling tray—remember to peel off that parchment paper!

Enjoy every slice of this Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread—it truly warms both heart and home!

Pro Tips for Making Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have some reliable tips up your sleeve to ensure success!

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots as they are perfect for mashing.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry to avoid tough bread. A few lumps are okay; it keeps the texture light and airy.
• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. They can provide a fun twist to your banana bread.
• Cool before slicing: Allowing the bread to cool completely helps it set, making it easier to slice without crumbling. A warm loaf is tempting, but patience pays off!
• Store properly: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. This keeps the bread fresh and moist for days!

How to Serve Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

Serving your Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread can be just as enjoyable as baking it! Here are some creative ideas to make it truly special.

Garnishes

• A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: Just mix a little sugar with ground cinnamon and dust it lightly on top for an added touch of sweetness and crunch.
• Fresh fruit slices: Add slices of strawberries or kiwi on the side for a refreshing contrast that complements the warm flavors of banana bread.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the banana bread.
• Honey drizzle: Drizzling honey over individual slices enhances the natural sweetness and adds a beautiful sheen. It’s simple yet elegant!
• Nut butter: Serve with almond or peanut butter spread alongside for an extra protein boost and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with banana.
• Coffee or tea: A warm beverage elevates any breakfast or snack time. Pairing your banana bread with a cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy experience that you’ll love.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy this delicious Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread in style!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance, store it, and enjoy a slice whenever you’re craving something delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the banana bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the banana bread before freezing for easy access to individual servings.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To freeze the whole loaf, wrap it tightly and store it in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

• For individual slices: Remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
• Heat in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• For the whole loaf: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or use unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent.

How do I make Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread healthier?

To reduce sugar content, you can cut down on sugar by using only 1/3 cup instead of ¾ cup. You can also use unsweetened applesauce instead of oil for added moisture without extra fat.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter texture, you can replace whole wheat flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.

How should I store my Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread?

Store it at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! It’s such a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Enjoy making this recipe, share it with loved ones, and watch as they savor every bite. Happy baking!