Caramel Macchiato Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Caramel Macchiato Banana Bread. This loaf combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a hint of espresso and a luscious caramel glaze, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream (lite or substitute with Greek yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso granules
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium/large or 3 small bananas)
• 1/4 cup caramel or salted caramel sauce (use thick caramel sauce, not runny)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed, about 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
• Pinch of salt (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by spraying it thoroughly with floured cooking spray, greasing and flouring it, or lining it with parchment paper and spraying the paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, oil, granulated sugar, sour cream, instant espresso granules, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
4. Step 4: Fold in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top lightly with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top, leaving a small margin around the edges. Use a butter knife to swirl the caramel about an inch deep into the batter. Avoid touching the edges or bottom of the pan to prevent burning and sticking.
7. Step 7: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no batter.
8. Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack while you prepare the glaze.
9. Step 9: For the glaze, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
10. Step 10: Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and optional pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.
11. Step 11: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture gently simmer, without stirring, for about 3 minutes until it bubbles softly with a dimpled surface.
12. Step 12: Remove from heat and let the glaze cool for about 5 minutes to a warm temperature.
13. Step 13: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the bread, either while it is still in the pan or after transferring it to a wire rack — whichever is easier.
14. Step 14: Allow the glaze to set completely before slicing, about 1 hour.

Tips & Variations

• Use thick caramel sauce for best results—thin sauces may burn during baking.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if you prefer a tangier flavor and added protein.
• For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso granules to 1.5 tablespoons.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
• Glaze the bread once fully cooled if you prefer a thicker, less runny topping.

Storage

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm slices briefly in the microwave or oven. Glazed bread is best enjoyed within one day, as the glaze can soften over time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant espresso granules?

Instant espresso granules dissolve fully in the batter and provide concentrated flavor. Using brewed coffee may add liquid and affect texture, so it’s best to stick with espresso granules for this recipe.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or plain yogurt. Both will add moisture and a slight tang to the bread without changing the texture significantly.

Caramel Macchiato Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 98 reviews

This Caramel Macchiato Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful twist on classic banana bread, infused with espresso and topped with a luscious salted caramel glaze. It combines the sweet richness of ripe bananas with espresso granules and a swirl of thick caramel sauce, then finishes with a buttery brown sugar glaze that enhances every bite.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus 1 hour glazing set time
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread:

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream (lite or Greek yogurt as substitute)
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso granules
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium/large or 3 small bananas)
• 1/4 cup thick caramel or salted caramel sauce

Glaze:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed, 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional, to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by spraying it thoroughly with floured cooking spray, greasing and flouring, or lining with a parchment paper sling and spraying the paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, canola or vegetable oil, granulated sugar, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), instant espresso granules, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
4. Add Bananas: Fold in the mashed ripe bananas gently until incorporated throughout the batter.
5. Transfer to Pan and Add Caramel: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Drizzle the thick caramel or salted caramel sauce evenly over the top, leaving a margin near the edges to prevent burning. Using a butter knife, lightly swirl the caramel about 1 inch into the batter.
6. Bake the Bread: Place in the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
7. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack while preparing the glaze.
8. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and optional pinch of salt, whisking until the sugar dissolves.
9. Simmer the Glaze: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 minutes until it bubbles subtly and has a dimpled appearance. No stirring is needed during simmering.
10. Cool and Drizzle the Glaze: Let the glaze cool for about 5 minutes until warm. Drizzle it evenly over the banana bread either in the pan or after turning the bread out onto a wire rack.
11. Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to fully set, about 1 hour, before slicing and serving to enjoy the perfect finish.

Notes

• Use a thick caramel sauce for drizzling in the bread batter; thin runny caramel ice cream sauces may cause burning and sticking.
• Be careful not to let the caramel touch the edges of the pan to avoid burning and sticking.
• Swirling the caramel gently into the batter creates a marbled effect and infused flavor.
• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture without compromising moisture.
• Letting the glaze cool and set properly ensures a shiny finish and better texture.
• Testing doneness with a toothpick ensures the bread is fully cooked without overbaking.

Keywords: banana bread, caramel macchiato banana bread, espresso banana bread, caramel glazed banana bread, coffee flavored banana bread