This tawny banana bread is golden, fragrant, and so satisfying — especially with that irresistible flaky almond topping. It’s everything you love about banana bread: moist, cozy, naturally sweet, but with a little extra crunch and toasty nutty flavor on top. This loaf always reminds me of rainy weekends and warm mugs of tea.
💌 Want more nostalgic, bakery-style bakes?
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread
Classic banana bread gets an upgrade with a tender crumb and a crisp, buttery almond top that bakes into golden flakes. It’s easy to mix up in one bowl and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or cozy gifts.
Taste & Texture: Buttery, moist interior with a crackly almond top
Smell: Banana, brown sugar, toasted almonds, and comfort
Perfect For: Slow mornings, brunch tables, freezer bakes, or gifting
Ingredients List
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ½ cup sugar (white or brown)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Flaky Almond Topping:
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Optional Add-ins:
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom to the batter
- Fold in ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
- Top with a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- 9×5 loaf pan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a bowl until smooth.
- Mix in melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Add baking soda, salt, and flour. Stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Make the topping: Combine almonds, melted butter, brown sugar, and flour. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Tips for Perfecting the Tawny Banana Bread Tawny Banana Bread Recipe
- Use super ripe bananas — lots of black spots means lots of flavor
- Don’t overmix the batter — stir just until the flour disappears
- For extra crisp topping, broil for the last 1–2 minutes (watch closely!)
- Let cool completely for cleaner slices
What to Serve With It
This loaf is dreamy with:
- Hot coffee or chai latte
- A dollop of Greek yogurt and honey
- Salted butter or almond spread
Craving more cozy loaves?
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store covered for up to 3 days
- Fridge: Keeps for 5–6 days — slice and reheat for best texture
- Freezer: Freeze whole or in slices, tightly wrapped, up to 2 months
General Information
This banana bread is egg-based, dairy-friendly, and naturally sweetened by the bananas themselves. The flaky topping gives it that wow-factor — like your favorite bakery loaf, but homemade.
FAQ
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, but butter adds better flavor and richness here — especially for the topping.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — bake in two loaf pans or a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This banana bread with flaky almond topping is everything you love about banana bread with a crunchy twist. Simple, satisfying, and deeply cozy — the kind of loaf you’ll want on hand all week. If you try it, share your slice on Pinterest — I can’t wait to see! 🍌🌰
Print
Tawny Banana Bread with Flaky Almond Topping – Rustic, Golden & Ready in Under 1 Hour!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, tender banana bread topped with a buttery almond crumble. This tawny banana bread is easy to make and perfect for breakfast or gifting.
Ingredients
Bread: 3 bananas, ⅓ cup melted butter, ½ cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp baking soda, pinch of salt, 1 cup flour
Topping: ¼ cup sliced almonds, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp flour
Instructions
Preheat oven to 175°C. Mash bananas. Stir in butter, sugar, egg, vanilla. Add soda, salt, and flour. Mix until just combined. Pour into pan. Mix topping and sprinkle over. Bake 45–50 mins. Cool and slice.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas. Add chocolate chips or cinnamon for variation. Top can be broiled briefly for extra crispness.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Loaf
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
