Gluten-Free Caramelized Banana Bread

Banana bread is always a crowd-pleaser, but this caramelized version is one of our crowning achievements. Think of this as a breakfast bread version of Bananas Foster. Topped with golden Caramelized Banana halves and offering a hint of cinnamon flavor, this loaf is all about taking the banana to the nth power of sweetness. Thanks to Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, this quick bread has been transformed into a gluten-free favorite.

Gluten-Free Caramelized Banana Bread

Makes 1 (8½x4½-inch) loaf

Ingredients

1⅔ cups (246 grams) Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking soda½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) kosher salt¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) baking powder1⅛ cups (255 grams) mashed ripe banana (about 3 medium bananas)¾ cup (165 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar⅓ cup plus 2 teaspoons (86 grams) unsalted butter, melted¼ cup (60 grams) sour cream, room temperature2 large eggs (100 grams), room temperature1 teaspoon (4 grams) vanilla extract½ teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamonCaramelized Banana (recipe follows)Softened butter, to serve

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C). Lightly spray an 8½x4½-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Line pan with parchment paper, letting excess extend over sides of pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder.

In a large bowl, whisk together mashed banana, brown sugar, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Fold in flour mixture just until combined. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Place Caramelized Banana, cut sides up, on top of batter.

Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Using excess parchment as handles, remove from pan, and let cool completely on a wire rack. Serve with softened butter.

Caramelized Banana

Makes 2 banana halves

Ingredients

1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter2 tablespoons (28 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar1 medium banana (124 grams), halved lengthwise

Instructions

In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.

Gently press brown sugar onto each cut side of banana. Place banana halves, cut side down, in skillet; cook until golden brown and caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes. Gently turn, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside until ready to use.

Caramelized Banana Basics

The stunning secret to our banana bread is the Caramelized Banana. We show you how to prep and prepare the decadent topping.

As opposed to the overripe bananas you use in the batter, the banana you want for this topping should be ripe but firm so it slices easily and doesn’t break down too much when you cook it. Look for a banana that is neither green nor sporting brown spots. Using a sharp paring knife, halve the banana lengthwise.
In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. The butter acts as the smooth basting liquid that helps poach the banana halves and keep them from sticking.
Gently press brown sugar onto each cut side of banana. Pressing the brown sugar into the banana halves instead of cooking it into the butter allows for peak caramelization. Instead of being coated in a caramel sauce, the bananas are seared directly with the brown sugar for a brûléed effect.
Place banana halves, cut side down, in skillet; cook until golden brown and caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes. Gently turn, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside until ready to use. Don’t be tempted to rush the caramelization process, as each minute of cooking creates a lovely golden seal on the exterior of the banana halves. Once the cut side is caramelized, turn them over for another, quicker caramel soak and sear. When the cooking is done, your banana halves can wait in the wings until the batter is ready.
Place Caramelized Banana, cut sides up, on top of batter.

The post Gluten-Free Caramelized Banana Bread first appeared on Bake from Scratch.

Dessert

Gluten-Free Caramelized Banana Bread