If you’ve been on the lookout for a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that sings with the bright freshness of citrus, you’ve just found it: The Best Banana Bread with Lemon Sugar Glaze Recipe. This delightful twist on classic banana bread pairs the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a zesty lemon glaze that adds an irresistible tang, making every bite just a little more special. Warm, moist, and packed with comforting flavor, this banana bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even an easy dessert. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and flavor in The Best Banana Bread with Lemon Sugar Glaze Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the hearty brown rice flour that gives it a tender crumb to the fresh lemon that brightens it all up.
- Brown rice flour (2 cups): Provides a light, nutty base that keeps the bread moist without heaviness.
- Baking powder (3 tsp): Ensures the bread rises beautifully with a fluffy texture.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances flavor depth and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter at room temperature (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread perfectly without overpowering the banana’s natural flavor.
- Very ripe bananas, mashed (3): The star ingredient, providing sweetness, moisture, and that signature banana essence.
- Large eggs at room temperature (4): Bind the ingredients and contribute to structure and fluffiness.
- Icing sugar (4 tbsp) for glaze: Combines with lemon juice to make a shiny, tangy glaze.
- Lemon zest and juice (1 lemon): Adds a fresh citrus zing that lifts the whole loaf to a new level.
How to Make The Best Banana Bread with Lemon Sugar Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your oven is perfectly ready to give your banana bread an even bake right from the start, helping it rise beautifully without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the dry ingredients
Sift together the brown rice flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting aerates the flour and evenly distributes the baking powder and salt, which means your bread gets that perfect lift and consistent texture throughout.
Step 3: Combine butter, sugar, and bananas
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and mashed bananas until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it blends the rich butter with the natural sweetness of bananas, creating a luscious base for the bread.
Step 4: Incorporate eggs
Add the eggs, one at a time, blending gently after each addition. This helps to create a smooth, cohesive batter that will bake up light and moist without curdling or becoming dense.
Step 5: Mix wet and dry ingredients
Gradually stir the banana and egg mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to ensure your banana bread remains tender and soft rather than tough and chewy.
Step 6: Bake in a lined loaf pan
Pour the batter into a large loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the loaf feels firm to the touch. This slow bake time allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to develop into that perfect banana bread consistency.
Step 7: Add the lemon sugar glaze
Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes. Then mix the icing sugar with fresh lemon juice and zest, and drizzle this zesty glaze over the warm loaf. The warm top helps the glaze to gently melt and seep in, giving the bread a shining, flavorful finish that brightens each slice.
How to Serve The Best Banana Bread with Lemon Sugar Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra lemon zest or some finely chopped toasted nuts on top of the glaze adds a wonderful crunch and a burst of bright flavor that complements the banana bread beautifully. Fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing touch if you want to glam it up.
Side Dishes
This banana bread is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even a smear of cream cheese makes it an even more indulgent treat. Fresh berries served alongside can add a pop of color and a juicy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and serving it warm with a drizzle of honey or a smear of nut butter. For a brunch or dessert spread, cut into small cubes and thread onto skewers alongside fruit, or even turn slices into mini sandwiches with a thin layer of lemon curd or mascarpone for an impressive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for about 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings or snack times.
Freezing
This banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture — just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave a slice for 20 seconds, though reheating in the oven helps keep the texture perfect and the glaze soft.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of brown rice flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if you prefer. However, brown rice flour adds a unique nutty flavor and a gluten-free twist that makes this banana bread stand out. If you use all-purpose flour, the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
How ripe should the bananas be?
It’s best to use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, the banana bread might turn out less moist and flavorful.
Can I make the lemon sugar glaze thicker?
Absolutely! To thicken the glaze, simply add more icing sugar a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Just keep in mind that a thinner glaze seeps beautifully into warm bread for extra flavor.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan that fits this recipe?
You can use a similar-sized baking dish, but keep an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly. Deeper pans might require a bit more baking time, while shallower pans will bake faster. Use the toothpick test to be sure.
Is this banana bread suitable for freezing and thawing multiple times?
While you can freeze and thaw banana bread once comfortably, repeated freezing and thawing can affect texture and moisture. For best taste and texture, try to store and use it within a single freezing cycle.
Final Thoughts
The Best Banana Bread with Lemon Sugar Glaze Recipe offers that perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and comforting flavors wrapped in a moist, tender crumb. It’s a recipe that’s straightforward enough for weekday baking but special enough to impress guests. When you try it, I promise it will become a cherished favorite you’ll want to make again and again — so go ahead, give it a whirl and fill your kitchen with that incredible aroma!
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The Best Banana Bread with Lemon Sugar Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious banana bread recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the subtle zestiness of a lemon sugar glaze. Made with brown rice flour for a gluten-free twist, it results in a moist, tender loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack. The lemon glaze adds a tangy finish that complements the rich banana flavor beautifully.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed with a fork
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
Glaze
- 4 tbsp icing sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the banana bread.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift together the brown rice flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl to ensure even distribution and to remove any lumps.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter, sugar, and mashed bananas together until smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs one at a time, blending until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the wet mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently until fully blended without overworking the batter, to maintain a tender crumb.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Line a large loaf pan with parchment paper and pour the batter into it, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the loaf feels firm to the touch.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the icing sugar with the lemon juice and zest to create the glaze.
- Apply Glaze: Drizzle the lemon sugar glaze over the warm banana bread so that it melts into the top, adding a sweet and tangy finish.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Using brown rice flour makes this recipe gluten-free.
- Room temperature eggs and butter help in achieving a smooth batter.
- Check doneness after one hour by inserting a toothpick; baking time may vary based on oven.
- The glaze is optional but recommended for added flavor and moisture.
