Moist Gingerbread Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Crust

A cozy spiced loaf that tastes like the holidays

When classic banana bread meets warm gingerbread spice, the result is something truly special. This moist gingerbread banana bread with cinnamon sugar crust is rich, deeply flavored, and irresistibly soft, with a crackly, buttery cinnamon sugar topping that takes it completely over the top.

It’s the kind of loaf that fills your kitchen with the aroma of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger while it bakes — instantly cozy, nostalgic, and inviting. Perfect for chilly mornings, holiday baking, or anytime you want a comforting treat that feels a little more festive than traditional banana bread.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet ripe bananas and bold gingerbread spices. The bananas keep the crumb tender and moist, while molasses adds depth, color, and that unmistakable gingerbread warmth. Finished with a cinnamon sugar crust, each slice has a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

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Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Banana Bread

This loaf checks every comfort-baking box:

• Ultra-moist texture thanks to ripe bananas and butter
• Deep gingerbread flavor from molasses and warm spices
• Crunchy cinnamon sugar crust for bakery-style appeal
• Simple ingredients you likely already have
• Perfect for holidays, gifting, or freezing

Unlike some spiced breads that can taste dry or overpowering, this recipe stays balanced. The banana flavor shines without getting lost, and the gingerbread spices enhance rather than overwhelm.

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Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – Creates a soft but sturdy loaf
• Baking soda & baking powder – For lift and tenderness
• Salt – Balances sweetness
• Ground ginger – Signature gingerbread warmth
• Cinnamon – Sweet spice and aroma
• Nutmeg & cloves – Add depth and complexity
• Unsalted butter – Richness and moisture
• Brown sugar – Caramel notes that pair with molasses
• Molasses – Essential gingerbread flavor
• Ripe bananas – Natural sweetness and moisture
• Eggs – Structure and richness
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors

Cinnamon Sugar Crust

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
   Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by mashed bananas, molasses, and vanilla.
5. Combine Batter
   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Crust
   Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour batter into the loaf pan, brush with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
7. Bake
   Bake for 55–65 minutes, covering loosely if browning too quickly. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
8. Cool
   Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Pro Tips for the Best Texture

• Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum moisture
• Don’t overmix once flour is added — this keeps the crumb tender
• Tent with foil if the crust browns too fast
• Let it cool fully before slicing for clean cuts

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Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Banana Bread – Add dark chocolate chips
• Nutty Version – Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans
• Glazed Loaf – Drizzle with vanilla or maple glaze
• Mini Loaves – Perfect for holiday gifting

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Serving Suggestions

This gingerbread banana bread is wonderful:

• Warm with butter
• With coffee or chai tea
• As a holiday breakfast treat
• Lightly toasted the next day
• Wrapped and gifted during winter holidays

It also freezes beautifully — slice before freezing for easy grab-and-go treats.

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Gingerbread Meets Banana Bread

Gingerbread dates back centuries as a spiced celebration bread, while banana bread rose to popularity as a resourceful comfort bake. Combining the two creates a loaf that feels both nostalgic and modern — perfect for today’s cozy kitchens.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a banana bread that feels extra special, this moist gingerbread banana bread with cinnamon sugar crust is it. Cozy, fragrant, and irresistibly tender, it’s a loaf that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable — and one you’ll find yourself baking again and again.