If you haven’t made Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels yet, what are you waiting for? These homemade bagels combine everything you love about banana bread—sweet, moist, and cozy—with the chewy, satisfying texture of a classic bagel. And that crispy cinnamon crunch topping? Absolute perfection.
Baking these from scratch means you get fresh, preservative-free bagels with simple, real ingredients. Whether you’re spreading them with cream cheese, toasting them for a snack, or turning them into a breakfast sandwich, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, they’re a genius way to use up those extra ripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Making bagels might sound like a challenge, but trust me—if you can mix dough and boil water, you can do this! And once you taste the results, you’ll never look at store-bought bagels the same way again.
Want more homemade bagel ideas? Try these Sourdough Discard Bagels for another fun, easy recipe.
Now go grab those bananas and start baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Bagels
Look, I’m just gonna say it—Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels might be the best thing to happen to breakfast since coffee. You get that warm, sweet banana flavor, a bagel’s satisfying chew, and the kind of cinnamon-sugar crunch that makes you close your eyes and do a little happy dance.
They’re the Perfect Balance of Soft, Chewy, and Crispy
Regular banana bread? Delicious, sure, but it’s soft all the way through. A standard bagel? Chewy, but sometimes it needs a little extra something. These bagels? Oh, they give you the best of both worlds. The inside stays soft and slightly sweet, while the outside develops that classic bagel chew. And that cinnamon crunch topping? It’s crispy, caramelized, and takes the whole thing up a notch.
Homemade = No Weird Ingredients
Store-bought bagels can have a laundry list of preservatives and artificial flavors. When you make them at home, you control everything. No mystery ingredients—just real, simple, delicious flavors. Plus, you get to brag about making homemade bagels (which, let’s be honest, makes you look like a kitchen pro).
Great for Any Time of Day
Breakfast? Absolutely. Brunch spread? Oh, you fancy. Mid-afternoon snack? Yep. Honestly, they even make a solid dessert, especially if you toast one up and slather it with cream cheese or honey butter.
Looking for More Homemade Bagels?
If you’re into making your own bagels, you might love these Sourdough Discard Bagels for another fun, no-yeast option.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels
If you’ve got some overripe bananas sitting on your counter, congratulations—you’re halfway to making these Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels. This recipe is all about simple, real ingredients that come together to create a bagel that’s soft inside, chewy outside, and packed with warm banana-cinnamon goodness.
The Main Players
- Ripe Bananas – The star of the show! The riper, the better. They add natural sweetness and keep the bagels moist.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives the bagels their structure and chew. You can swap in some whole wheat flour for a bit of extra fiber.
- Active Dry Yeast – The key to fluffy, airy bagels with the perfect rise.
- Warm Water – Helps activate the yeast and bring the dough together.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – A touch of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- Cinnamon – Because banana bread and cinnamon are best friends.
The Crunch Topping
This is what takes these bagels from good to next level:
- Brown Sugar – For that deep, caramelized sweetness.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and flavor.
- Crushed Nuts or Oats – Brings the crunch factor. You can use walnuts, pecans, or even granola.
- Melted Butter – Helps everything stick and get beautifully crispy in the oven.
If you love creative bagel flavors, check out these Sourdough Discard Bagels Without Yeast for another fun twist on homemade bagels!
Essential Tools for Baking These Bagels
Before you get started on these Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels, let’s talk tools. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few kitchen essentials that will make the process smooth and stress-free.
Mixing & Dough Prep
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the dough ingredients. If you have a stand mixer, that’s a bonus, but good old-fashioned hand mixing works too.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Precision matters, especially with flour and yeast. Too much or too little can change the texture.
- Dough Scraper or Bench Knife – Helps divide and shape the dough without a sticky mess.
- Floured Surface – A clean counter or baking mat for kneading and shaping.
Shaping & Boiling
- Large Pot – Boiling the bagels before baking is key to getting that chewy texture.
- Slotted Spoon – Makes it easy to remove bagels from the boiling water.
- Cooling Rack – For letting them dry a bit before baking.
Baking & Crunch Topping
- Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Small Bowl – For mixing the cinnamon crunch topping.
- Pastry Brush – Helps spread melted butter evenly for that crispy, golden finish.
Homemade bagels might sound like a project, but with these simple tools, you’ll be whipping up bakery-worthy bagels in no time. If you’re into creative bagel flavors, check out these Sourdough Discard Bagels for another fun baking adventure!
How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels
Alright, let’s get into the good stuff—actually making these Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels. The process might sound fancy, but it’s really just mixing, shaping, boiling, and baking. Trust me, once you smell these baking, you’ll be counting down the minutes until they’re done.
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add warm water, honey (or maple syrup), and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape & Boil
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch it into a bagel shape.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop bagels in, 2-3 at a time, boiling for about 30 seconds per side. Remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Crunch & Bake
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts or oats.
- Brush each bagel with melted butter and sprinkle on the cinnamon crunch topping.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
That’s it! For another fun bagel idea, check out these Sourdough Discard Bagels Without Yeast—no yeast, no problem!
Swaps and Substitutions for Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels
Maybe you’re out of an ingredient. Maybe you’re working around dietary restrictions. Or maybe you just like to experiment (same here!). Whatever the reason, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels are super flexible. Here’s how you can switch things up without messing up the magic.
Flour Substitutions
- Whole Wheat Flour – Want a bit more fiber? Swap up to 50% of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. The bagels will be a little denser but still delicious.
- Gluten-Free Flour – Use a good 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but it still works.
Banana Alternatives
- Pumpkin Puree – Gives a fall twist with a slightly earthy sweetness.
- Applesauce – A milder flavor but keeps the moisture just right.
- Mashed Sweet Potato – For a slightly richer, more complex flavor.
Sugar Swaps
- Coconut Sugar – A less refined alternative that still gives that caramel-like sweetness.
- Maple Syrup or Honey – Swap in equal amounts for a different depth of flavor.
Dairy-Free Options
- Skip the butter in the crunch topping and use coconut oil or vegan butter instead.
- If adding Greek yogurt to the dough, use a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut yogurt.
Want more creative bagel recipes? Check out these Sourdough Discard Bagels for another fun twist!
What to Serve with Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels
These Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels are already packed with flavor, but let’s be honest—everything’s better with the right pairing. Whether you want to keep it simple or go all out, here are some delicious ways to serve them.
Spreads That Take Them Over the Top
- Cream Cheese – The tangy, creamy contrast is chef’s kiss. Try plain, honey-sweetened, or cinnamon-flavored.
- Peanut Butter or Almond Butter – Classic with bananas! A drizzle of honey makes it even better.
- Honey Butter – Sweet, salty, and buttery—this combo will have you licking the knife.
- Nutella – No explanation needed. Just do it.
Breakfast Sandwich Ideas
Turn these bagels into next-level breakfast sandwiches:
- Classic Style: Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a little maple syrup.
- Sweet & Salty: Cream cheese, banana slices, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Protein-Packed: Almond butter, Greek yogurt, and granola for crunch.
Drinks That Pair Perfectly
- Coffee – A hot cup of coffee and a banana-cinnamon bagel? Perfection.
- Chai Latte – The warm spices match the cinnamon crunch topping so well.
- Vanilla Almond Milk – A great non-dairy option that complements the flavors.
Looking for another homemade bagel idea? Try these Sourdough Discard Bagels Without Yeast for a different kind of breakfast treat!
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How to Make Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you haven’t made Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels yet, what are you waiting for? These homemade bagels combine everything you love about banana bread—sweet, moist, and cozy—with the chewy, satisfying texture of a classic bagel. And that crispy cinnamon crunch topping? Absolute perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- For the Cinnamon Crunch Topping:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl or stand mixer.
- Add warm water, brown sugar, and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in Greek yogurt, cinnamon, salt, and flour until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until soft but slightly sticky.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down dough and divide into 8 pieces.
- Shape each piece into a bagel by poking a hole in the center.
- Boil bagels in a large pot of water for 30 seconds per side.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping.
- Brush boiled bagels with butter and press on the topping.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Baking these from scratch means you get fresh, preservative-free bagels with simple, real ingredients. Whether you’re spreading them with cream cheese, toasting them for a snack, or turning them into a breakfast sandwich, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: banana bread, bagels, cinnamon crunch, homemade bagels
FAQs About Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels
Is banana bread better with oil or butter?
It depends on what you’re going for! Oil makes banana bread extra moist and keeps it soft for longer, while butter adds a rich, buttery flavor but can make it slightly denser. Some bakers use a mix of both for the best of both worlds.
What makes banana bread unhealthy?
Traditional banana bread can be high in sugar, butter, and refined flour, making it more of a dessert than a healthy snack. To lighten it up, try using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, swapping in whole wheat flour, and reducing the butter or oil.
What’s the secret to good banana bread?
A few key tricks:
Use ripe (or overripe) bananas – The darker, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture.
Don’t overmix the batter – Stir just until combined to keep it soft and fluffy.
Use the right fat – Oil for moisture, butter for flavor, or a mix of both.
Bake at the right temp – Too hot, and it dries out. Too low, and it won’t cook through properly.
Can I use 2 bananas instead of 3 for banana bread?
You can, but your banana bread won’t be as moist or flavorful. If you’re short on bananas, try adding a little applesauce, yogurt, or even an extra egg to make up for the missing moisture.
What to use instead of eggs in banana bread?
If you’re out of eggs or need an egg-free option, try these swaps (each = 1 egg):
¼ cup mashed banana (since it’s already in there!)
¼ cup applesauce
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water
What does too much flour do to banana bread?
Too much flour makes banana bread dry and dense instead of soft and moist. Always measure your flour correctly—fluff it up, spoon it into the measuring cup, and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Final Thoughts on Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels
If you love banana bread and bagels, these Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels are about to be your new favorite homemade treat. They’ve got that perfect balance of soft and chewy, with a golden, crispy cinnamon-sugar topping that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you eat them fresh out of the oven, toasted with a thick layer of cream cheese, or turned into a next-level breakfast sandwich, they’re guaranteed to hit the spot.
And let’s be real—there’s something ridiculously satisfying about making bagels from scratch. You know exactly what’s in them (no weird preservatives), you get to customize them however you want, and best of all, your kitchen will smell amazing. Plus, if you ever find yourself with too many ripe bananas (which happens more often than we’d like to admit), now you have the perfect excuse to turn them into something way more exciting than your usual banana bread.
If you’re into homemade bagels, don’t stop here! Check out these Sourdough Discard Bagels for another fun twist on the classic. And if you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out—because trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to tell everyone about them.
Now, what are you waiting for? Go grab those bananas and let’s bake!
