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Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe

Avatar photoBySusan Miller
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 142 reviews
Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent, this Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Combining ripe bananas with the creamy richness of dulce de leche, this banana bread bakes up moist, flavorful, and irresistibly aromatic—a cozy treat you won’t want to miss!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Ultimate comfort food: The warm scent of cinnamon, bananas, and caramelized dulce de leche fills your kitchen and heart equally.
Moist and tender texture: Thanks to coconut oil and Greek yogurt, it stays delightfully soft without being heavy.
Simple ingredient list: Using pantry staples with a sweet twist—nothing complicated but bursting with flavor.
Perfect sweet breakfast or snack: Enjoy it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up that feels like a tiny celebration.

A loaf of dark brown chocolate bread sits on a white marbled surface, with a thick drizzle of light brown caramel sauce running down the top and sides, creating shiny streaks. In the background, there is a bunch of yellow bananas and a white bowl filled with more caramel sauce, softly blurred. The bread looks moist with visible cracks on the top where the caramel pools slightly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Dulce de Leche Banana Bread, decadent banana bread with dulce de leche, moist banana bread recipe, easy banana bread with caramel, sweet banana bread treat

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe keeps things straightforward with wholesome ingredients that build fantastic flavor and texture. Each element has its role—from the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the slight tang of Greek yogurt that balances richness beautifully.

Flat lay of three ripe bananas with their peels partially open showing the soft fruit inside, a small jar of glossy dulce de leche with a drizzle on the side, a mound of white whole wheat flour beside a heap of all-purpose flour, a couple of whole eggs, a small bowl of thick plain Greek yogurt, a cinnamon stick with scattered cinnamon powder, and a scoop of melted coconut oil placed near raw sugar crystals, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Dulce de Leche Banana Bread, decadent banana bread with dulce de leche, moist banana bread recipe, easy banana bread with caramel, sweet banana bread treat
  • All-purpose and white whole wheat flour: Using a mix of these gives the bread a tender crumb with a slight nuttiness, keeping it hearty yet soft.
  • Baking soda and cinnamon: Baking soda ensures a good rise while cinnamon adds a warm spice boost that complements the bananas.
  • Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture that’s key to this recipe’s charm.
  • Coconut oil: Melting coconut oil gives a subtle tropical note and keeps the bread wonderfully moist.
  • Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tartness, enriching the texture and flavor without extra fat.
  • Dulce de leche: The star ingredient! This luscious caramel spread gets swirled through and drizzled on top, making every bite decadently delightful.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350º F (175º C) to get it nice and ready for baking. Then, mix the dry ingredients—flours, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt—in a large bowl to distribute those lovely flavors evenly throughout your batter.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, sugar, eggs, and plain Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This blend brings moisture, sweetness, and tang for that perfect banana bread foundation.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently fold until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light, ensuring that you have a perfectly textured batter ready for the pan.

Step 4: Add the Dulce de Leche Swirl

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, then dollop spoonfuls of dulce de leche on top. Use a fork or the tip of a spoon to gently swirl it through the batter, creating those beautiful caramel ribbons that make this bread so special.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma escaping your oven will tell you something magical is happening—warm, sweet, and inviting.

Step 6: Final Dulce de Leche Drizzle

Once the banana bread has cooled slightly, drizzle another tablespoon of dulce de leche over the top for that extra glossy caramel finish. It’s the perfect flourish to an already heavenly loaf.

How to Serve Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe

A loaf of brown banana bread is sliced on a white marble surface, with five thick slices visible and one lying flat in front. The bread has a dense, moist texture with a slightly cracked crust. A light, creamy-colored drizzle is spread unevenly over the top of the loaf, adding a glossy touch. In the background, several yellow bananas rest slightly out of focus. The scene is bright and simple, highlighting the natural softness and texture of the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Dulce de Leche Banana Bread, decadent banana bread with dulce de leche, moist banana bread recipe, easy banana bread with caramel, sweet banana bread treat

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top if you want a crunchy contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few banana slices pairs beautifully too, adding some playful texture and a bit of elegance.

Side Dishes

This banana bread shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For breakfast, a smear of cream cheese or almond butter is a delightful combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or a party, slice the bread and serve on a rustic wooden board with fresh fruit and small bowls of dulce de leche for extra dipping. Or toast individual slices lightly and add a smear of butter and drizzle of honey for a fancy twist on a classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for about three days or can stay fresh up to a week in the fridge without losing moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the banana bread either whole or in individual slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It maintains its texture and flavor beautifully for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap and warm the banana bread slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds until soft and fragrant. Adding a tiny extra drizzle of dulce de leche afterward will make it taste freshly baked all over again!

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?

    Absolutely! You can swap out the white whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture, but including some whole wheat adds a nice depth and wholesome flavor to the bread.

  2. How ripe should the bananas be?

    For the best sweetness and mashability, use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost fully brown. The riper they are, the better their natural sugars complement the dulce de leche.

  3. Can I substitute the coconut oil with another fat?

    Yes, melted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil can work, but coconut oil adds a unique, subtle richness and keeps the loaf moist without overpowering other flavors.

  4. Do I need to use full-fat Greek yogurt?

    Using full-fat plain Greek yogurt improves the moisture and texture, making the bread richer and more tender, but low-fat yogurt can be substituted in a pinch if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary—comforting, sweet, and absolutely luscious. Whether you’re making it for breakfast or dessert, I promise it’ll become an instant favorite in your home. So, grab those ripe bananas and get baking—you’re in for a treat!

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Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe

Dulce de Leche Banana Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 142 reviews
  • Author: Susan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
  • Category: Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Dulce de Leche Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful twist on classic banana bread, enhanced with rich, creamy dulce de leche swirled into the batter and drizzled on top. Made with a blend of all-purpose and white whole wheat flours, ripe bananas, coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and warm spices like cinnamon, this loaf offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it is an easy-to-make baked good that brings a delightful caramel flavor through the luscious dulce de leche addition.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 ripe mashed bananas (about 1 ½ cup)
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)

Flavoring

  • 3 tablespoons dulce de leche + 1 tablespoon extra for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175ºC) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your batter is ready.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, sugar, eggs, and plain Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
  5. Prepare Loaf Pan: Grease a loaf pan lightly with oil or butter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top.
  6. Add Dulce de Leche Swirl: Drop the 3 tablespoons of dulce de leche in dollops evenly over the top of the batter. Using the tip of a spoon or fork, gently swirl the dulce de leche into the batter to create a marbled effect.
  7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool and Top: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle the additional tablespoon of dulce de leche over the warm bread before serving for extra caramel flavor.

Notes

  • Adapted from BuzzFeed Philippines.
  • The riper the bananas, the sweeter and easier to mash they are, enhancing the bread’s flavor.
  • Use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for best flavor and texture; avoid flavored varieties.
  • Ensure your baking soda is fresh for proper rise and perfect texture.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or on the counter for up to three days.
  • The bread freezes well; slice or freeze whole, and keep in airtight wrapped packaging for up to 3 months.
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