Banana bread just got an upgrade! This Caramel Macchiato Banana Bread is packed with deep coffee flavor, rich caramel swirls, and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The perfect blend of bold espresso and smooth caramel makes every bite taste like your favorite coffeehouse treat.
Moist, fluffy, and incredibly fragrant, this banana bread is ideal for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a cozy dessert with your favorite cup of coffee. Whether you drizzle extra caramel on top or enjoy it as-is, this recipe is a must-try for any coffee or caramel lover!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1/3 cup vegetable oil
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1/4 cup brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, espresso, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the batter, then top with the remaining batter.
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Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled effect.
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Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal per slice | Servings: 8 slices
Caramel Macchiato Banana Bread: A Coffee Lover’s Dream Dessert
Banana bread has long been a comforting classic, but when you introduce the flavors of a caramel macchiato, it transforms into something truly special. The combination of sweet bananas, bold espresso, and rich caramel creates a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply love indulgent baked goods, this Caramel Macchiato Banana Bread is sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana bread is anything but ordinary. It blends the comforting taste of ripe bananas with deep coffee notes and swirls of caramel, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavor profile. The espresso enhances the sweetness of the bananas while adding a slight bitterness that prevents the bread from being overly sweet. The caramel drizzle ties everything together, giving it a buttery richness that melts in your mouth.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a little mixing, you’ll have a warm, aromatic loaf ready to enjoy. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and turn them into something extraordinary.
The Perfect Blend of Coffee and Caramel
Caramel macchiatos are a popular espresso-based drink known for their combination of bold coffee and smooth caramel syrup. This banana bread takes inspiration from that beloved beverage, incorporating those same elements into a soft, moist loaf. The strong brewed espresso infuses the batter with rich coffee flavor, while the caramel swirl adds pockets of gooey sweetness throughout each slice.
One of the best parts of this recipe is the caramel drizzle added at the end. Not only does it enhance the presentation, but it also creates an extra layer of luxurious sweetness that makes every bite irresistible. If you love coffeehouse flavors, this banana bread is like having your favorite latte in dessert form.
Moist and Flavorful Texture
One of the biggest challenges when baking banana bread is achieving the perfect texture. This recipe ensures a soft, moist, and tender crumb that stays fresh for days. The mashed bananas naturally provide moisture, while the vegetable oil keeps the loaf light and airy. Unlike traditional butter-based banana breads that can sometimes turn out dry, this version stays moist and delicious even after a few days.
The caramel also plays a role in keeping the bread soft and tender. As it bakes, it melts into the batter, creating rich caramel pockets that add bursts of flavor throughout. The result is a banana bread that is moist, rich, and incredibly satisfying with every bite.
The Aromatic Experience of Baking with Coffee
There’s something magical about the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and when combined with banana and caramel, it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. As the banana bread bakes, the espresso releases its deep, roasted fragrance, mingling with the sweet scent of bananas and warm caramel. The moment you take it out of the oven, the inviting aroma will make it nearly impossible to wait for it to cool before slicing.
This recipe is perfect for those who love the smell of a coffee shop in their home. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or guests, the scent alone will make everyone excited to try a slice.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy Caramel Macchiato Banana Bread:
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With Coffee or Tea – A warm slice pairs perfectly with a hot cup of espresso, cappuccino, or black tea.
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Toasted with Butter – Lightly toasting a slice and spreading it with butter or cream cheese enhances the flavors even more.
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Dessert Style – Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
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With Extra Caramel Drizzle – For true caramel lovers, add an extra generous drizzle right before serving.
This banana bread also makes a great gift! Wrap it up in parchment paper and a ribbon, and you have a homemade treat perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
How to Store and Keep It Fresh
Since this banana bread is so moist and rich, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh. Here’s how to make it last:
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At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Simply warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating.
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Freezer: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the toaster.
Customizations and Variations
One of the best things about banana bread is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
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Make It Extra Nutty – Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch.
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Chocolate Twist – Stir in chocolate chips for a mocha-inspired version.
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Coconut Caramel – Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
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Salted Caramel Version – Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle for a salted caramel flavor.
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Dairy-Free Option – Use a dairy-free caramel sauce and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg for a vegan-friendly version.
No matter how you customize it, this banana bread will always turn out rich, flavorful, and indulgent.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
There are countless banana bread recipes out there, but what makes this one truly special is the depth of flavor. The addition of espresso not only enhances the banana’s natural sweetness but also adds a bold richness that you won’t find in a traditional banana bread recipe. The caramel swirl takes it to the next level, creating a sweet, buttery contrast that makes each slice irresistible.
It’s the perfect recipe for anyone who enjoys coffee-inspired desserts, loves the classic taste of banana bread, or simply wants to try something new.
Conclusion
If you love coffee, caramel, and banana bread, this Caramel Macchiato Banana Bread is a must-try. It’s easy to make, incredibly moist and flavorful, and perfect for any time of the day. Whether you enjoy it warm with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and warmth.
Baking this bread is not just about the final product—it’s about the experience of creating something special. From the moment you mix the batter to the smell that fills your kitchen as it bakes, this recipe brings joy and comfort. So grab those ripe bananas, brew some espresso, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious banana breads you’ve ever had.