Banana Bread with Homemade Caramel Sauce

There is something incredibly comforting about a freshly baked banana bread. It is soft, moist, perfectly sweet and one of the best ways to use up those bananas that have been sitting on your counter for just a little too long. Instead of throwing them away, turn them into a delicious homemade treat that everyone will love.

The Secret? Really Ripe Bananas

For the best banana bread, you need overripe bananas. It’s funny how bananas seem to have such a short window of perfection. Green bananas are hard and starchy, bright yellow ones are perfect for eating, and just a few days later they’re covered in brown spots and nobody wants them anymore.

Luckily, that’s exactly when they’re at their best for baking.

The darker the peel, the sweeter the banana becomes, giving your banana bread a richer flavor and a wonderfully soft texture. So don’t throw those brown bananas away – they’re exactly what you need.

Which Bananas Should You Use?

There are many different banana varieties around the world, from red bananas to tiny baby bananas and even something like plantains (if you have those try this delicious recipe for banana soup!). For this recipe, regular yellow bananas are perfect.

If you happen to have another sweet variety available where you live, feel free to experiment. As long as they’re nice and ripe, they’ll work beautifully in this recipe.

Orange Caramel Sauce

This banana bread is absolutely delicious on its own, but the homemade orange caramel sauce really makes it something special.

The slight freshness of the orange balances the sweetness of the caramel beautifully and pairs perfectly with the bananas. Not a fan of orange? Simply replace the orange juice with cream for a classic caramel sauce. Or skip it altogether, the banana bread is just as tasty without it.

Recipe ingredients

Banana bread

• All-purpose flour – the base of the cake.
• Baking powder – helps the bread rise.
• Ground cinnamon – adds warmth and extra flavour. You can replace it with pumpkin pie spice if you like.
• Butter – use unsalted butter. Salted butter also works; simply reduce the added salt.
• White sugar – for sweetness.
• Vanilla sugar – or substitute with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
• Eggs – bind everything together.
• Crème fraîche – keeps the banana bread extra moist. Greek yogurt or sour cream work just as well.
• Overripe bananas – the star of the recipe. The riper they are, the better.

Orange caramel sauce

• Unsalted butter
• Sugar
• Fresh orange juice (or replace with heavy cream)

How to Make Banana Bread

1. Line a loaf or cake tin with baking paper and preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
3. Beat the butter with the sugar and vanilla sugar until light and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the crème fraîche.
5. Fold the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir in the mashed bananas.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Make the orange caramel sauce

1. Place the sugar and three tablespoons of water in a saucepan. Make sure all the sugar is moistened.
2. Heat over medium heat without stirring until the sugar turns a deep golden caramel. If needed, gently swirl the pan to colour it evenly.
3. Carefully add the orange juice – it will bubble vigorously.
4. Stir until any hardened caramel has dissolved.
5. Add the butter a little at a time, stirring until smooth.
6. Leave to cool slightly. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Serve warm or cold over thick slices of banana bread.

Storage

The caramel sauce will keep in the refrigerator for about 1 week. Warm it gently before serving if needed.

Fridge: Store the banana bread in an airtight container outside of the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Banana Bread with Caramel Sauce

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes. Let them thaw completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing.

Why is my banana bread dense?

Overmixing the batter can make the bread heavy. Mix only until everything is just combined.

Can I make it without the caramel sauce?

Absolutely. The banana bread is delicious on its own and perfect with a little butter or even a spoonful of peanut butter.

Can I add nuts or chocolate?

Definitely. Chopped walnuts, pecans or dark chocolate chips all work wonderfully in this recipe.

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, it’s ready.

More Banana Recipes

Still have some more banana leftover? Check out these recipes as well.

• Vegan banana bread
• Chocolate banana brownies
• Peanut butter and banana toast
• Chocolate and banana popsicles