Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread
This spiced dulce de leche banana bread blends comforting flavors with a touch of indulgence. Inspired by a nostalgic childhood treat of fried bananas drizzled with condensed milk, this version elevates the classic banana bread with rich dulce de leche.
The creamy, caramelized notes of dulce de leche infuse the bread, while a cinnamon streusel topping adds the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s an easy, yet elegant loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether served as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, this banana bread is sure to impress with its tender crumb and mouthwatering flavor. It’s a sweet slice of nostalgia with a modern twist.
Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread – Ingredients
The foundation of this banana bread lies in ripe bananas, bringing moisture and natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the rich, caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg infuse a warm, spiced aroma, enhancing the comforting flavors.
Flour provides the structure for this tender loaf, while a touch of kosher salt and baking soda ensures the right rise and texture. Butter contributes richness, while eggs bind the ingredients, creating a smooth batter that’s ready to rise into a delightful treat.
Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread
Esteban Castillo’s Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread brings together nostalgia and indulgence with a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this banana bread delivers comfort in every bite. Here’s everything you need to know to make it even more irresistible.
Recipe Tips
- Use the Right Bananas
For this recipe, avoid overripe bananas, which can add too much moisture. Instead, choose bananas that are ripe but not overly mushy. They should be a rich yellow color, slightly speckled, and firm enough to be chopped. This ensures the bread will have the ideal texture and sweetness without becoming soggy. - Measure Ingredients Correctly
For the best results, weigh your dry ingredients using a kitchen scale. This helps ensure you don’t accidentally add too much flour, which can lead to a dense loaf. Precision is key for the right balance of moistness and fluffiness in the bread. - Streusel Texture Matters
When making the streusel, use your hands to combine the ingredients, as it will give the mixture the desired crumbly texture. If the streusel feels too wet, simply add a little more flour to reach the right consistency. You want the streusel to form crumbs that will crisp up beautifully on top of the bread.
What to Serve with Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread
- Creamy Yogurt and Fresh Berries
Pair a slice of banana bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The creamy tartness of the yogurt complements the bread’s sweetness, while the berries add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dulce de leche. - Hot Coffee or Chai Latte
A hot beverage pairs beautifully with banana bread. Brew a rich cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte to bring out the warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors in the bread. The comforting drink enhances the loaf’s tender, moist texture and provides a perfect balance of flavors for an afternoon treat. - Vanilla Ice Cream
For an indulgent dessert, serve a warm slice of banana bread with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, spiced banana bread with cold, smooth ice cream creates a comforting, sweet contrast that’s impossible to resist.
FAQ
- Can I use a different sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar or honey could also be used for a more natural sweetness, though it might slightly alter the texture. - How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this banana bread dairy-free, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. You can also substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs or an egg replacement product. - How long does this banana bread stay fresh?
The banana bread will keep for up to 4 days when tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, simply heat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. - Can I freeze Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will keep in the freezer for up to one month. To serve, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread
Esteban Castillo’s Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread blends the nostalgic flavors of dulce de leche and bananas into a beautifully moist, tender loaf. The combination of caramelized, creamy dulce de leche and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas creates a comforting treat, perfect for both everyday indulgence and special occasions.
Ingredients
- For the Banana Bread:
- Cooking spray for greasing the pan
- 1 1/2 cups 190g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup dulce de leche
- 3 medium ripe bananas roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup 76g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- For the Streusel and Optional Drizzle:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1/4 cup dulce de leche optional, for drizzle
- 1 tablespoon milk optional, for drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5 or 8 1/2×4 1/2-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set the mixture aside.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the granulated sugar, dulce de leche, and chopped bananas. Using the paddle attachment, mix on medium-low speed for 30 seconds, then scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for an additional 30 seconds.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients, about 1/4 cup at a time, to avoid flour spillage. Once half of the flour mixture is incorporated, add the melted butter, followed by the eggs. After the eggs are fully incorporated, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined, scraping down the sides and paddle as necessary.
- Pour the Batter and Prepare the Streusel
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel. Add the butter and mix it in with your hands until the texture resembles wet sand. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter.
- Bake the Banana Bread
- Bake for 50 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Baking times will vary based on the pan size used, so monitor the bread closely as it approaches the lower time range.
- Cool and Serve
- Allow the banana bread to cool completely in the pan before serving. If desired, drizzle warmed dulce de leche over the top. To prepare the drizzle, microwave the dulce de leche for 10 to 15 seconds, then stir in the milk to achieve the desired consistency. Add more milk if necessary.
- The banana bread, without the drizzle, can be stored tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature. Alternatively, it can be frozen for up to one month when properly wrapped.
Notes
For best results, use ripe bananas that are firm yet slightly speckled. Avoid using overripe bananas, as they may result in a bread that is overly moist.
