Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe

Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread is a decadent twist on the classic banana bread, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche and a blend of warm spices. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. Here’s how to make this delicious banana bread:

Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup (120g) dulce de leche (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream or plain yogurt (for extra moisture)
• Optional: 1/2 cup (75g) chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

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

2. Mix dry ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

3. Prepare the wet ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, dulce de leche, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream or yogurt until smooth.

4. Combine the dry and wet ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

5. Bake the banana bread:

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

6. Cool and serve:

• Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and serve once it’s fully cooled, or enjoy it slightly warm.

Tips:

• Dulce de leche: If you don’t have store-bought dulce de leche, you can make your own by simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours (be sure to follow proper safety guidelines). Or you can use caramel sauce in a pinch.
• Bananas: For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. They are the sweetest and most flavorful.
• Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. You can add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a more intense spiced flavor.
• Add-ins: If you prefer other mix-ins like raisins, shredded coconut, or dark chocolate, feel free to incorporate them into the batter.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread on its own, or with a smear of butter or cream cheese. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
• For an indulgent treat, you can drizzle extra dulce de leche on top just before serving.

This Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana Bread is the perfect way to take classic banana bread to the next level with a rich, caramel flavor and warm spices. Enjoy the comforting sweetness in every slice!