Cinnamon-Sugar Banana Bread That Tastes Like a Cookie

Snickerdoodle Banana Bread 🍌✨

By Jason Griffith | ChefManiac.com

Introduction

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a warm banana bread and the cinnamon sugar bliss of a snickerdoodle cookie—this recipe is your dream come true. Snickerdoodle Banana Bread brings the best of both into one soft, sweet, and spiced loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.

It’s got the moist crumb of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and the cozy cinnamon topping of your favorite fall treat. You might want to make two loaves—this one disappears fast.


Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a sucker for nostalgic bakes, and this loaf delivers that cinnamon sugar magic in every bite. The cream of tartar gives it that signature tang you expect from a snickerdoodle, while overripe bananas keep it tender and naturally sweet.

It reminds me of the joy I get from baking Pumpkin Spice Muffins or whipping up a batch of Cake Mix Cookies when I want something low-effort but high reward.


Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the bananas and mix them with the melted butter. Stir in the vanilla extract and egg until smooth.

3️⃣ Add Sugars and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the granulated and brown sugar. Then add baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, and cinnamon. Stir well.

4️⃣ Fold in the Flour

Add the flour and gently fold until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

5️⃣ Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the crunchy swirl topping.

6️⃣ Layer & Swirl

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle half the topping over it. Add the rest of the batter and top with the remaining cinnamon sugar.

7️⃣ Bake

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8️⃣ Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice when fully cooled (if you can wait that long!).


Tips for Success

  • Use super ripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.
  • Don’t skip the cream of tartar—it gives the bread its snickerdoodle tang.
  • Let the loaf rest before slicing for clean edges.
  • Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra crunch!

How to Serve It

Snickerdoodle Banana Bread is fantastic served:

It also pairs beautifully with a tall glass of milk or a hot mug of chai.


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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a banana bread lover or a snickerdoodle fanatic, this hybrid loaf delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect to have on hand for guests—or just for you.

Try it, love it, and tag your creations @ChefManiac!
Craving more cinnamon goodness or banana magic? Let us know in the comments! 💬👇