Banana Bread Bagel Recipe

Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread, but instead of a loaf, you’ve got a chewy, golden bagel. Sounds heavenly, right? If you’re a fan of the warm, nostalgic flavors of banana bread or simply love the bite of a good bagel, you’re in for a treat! This banana bread bagel recipe combines two beloved breakfast classics into one delicious creation that’s perfect for mornings, brunch, or even a midday snack.

Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook looking for a unique twist on familiar flavors, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also versatile, allowing you to get creative with your toppings and variations. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these irresistible banana bread bagels in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Bagel Recipe

These banana bread bagels are more than just a fun mash-up—they’re a bite of pure comfort. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites:

Nostalgic Flavor: It brings the familiar warmth of banana bread but with the added chewiness of a bagel.

Perfect for Any Time of Day: Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast, brunch, or snack, these bagels are versatile enough to fit any occasion.

Natural Sweetness: The ripe bananas in the recipe provide a subtle, natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars.

Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips to make it your own.

Simple to Make: Even if you’re not an expert baker, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and fun to create.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Bagel Recipe

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather the ingredients. Below is everything you’ll need to make your very own batch of banana bread bagels. These measurements are ideal for making about 8 medium-sized bagels.

1 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
2 large ripe bananas
3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of yeast
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 cup of warm water
¼ cup of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of baking soda
4 cups of water for boiling
1 teaspoon of salt
Optional toppings: nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, etc.

Ingredient Notes

Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are ideal for providing natural sweetness and moisture.

Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works best, but you can substitute it with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if needed.

Toppings: Feel free to customize with walnuts, pecans, sesame seeds, or even a cinnamon-sugar topping for a sweet crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Banana Bread Bagels

Now that we have everything ready let’s go through the process of making these delicious banana bread bagels step by step.

1. Preparing the Dough

Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You want to eliminate as many lumps as possible for a soft texture.

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the brown sugar in the warm water, then stir in the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy—this means the yeast is activated.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the yeast mixture and mashed bananas into the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually incorporate additional flour, one tablespoon at a time.

2. Shaping and Rising

Shape the Bagels:

1. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a ball and use your thumb to poke a hole in the center.
3. Carefully widen the hole until it reaches about 1-2 inches in diameter.

Allow the bagels to rise by placing the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean towel and let them rise for 30 minutes to an hour or until they’ve puffed up slightly.

3. Boiling the Bagels

Prepare the Boiling Water: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the tablespoon of baking soda to the boiling water—this will help give the bagels their signature chewy texture.

Boil the Bagels: Carefully drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water at a time. Boil each side for 1 minute, then use a slotted spoon to transfer them back to the baking sheet.

4. Baking the Bagels

Preheat the Oven: While the bagels are boiling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Bake the Bagels: Once all the bagels are boiled, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Cool and Enjoy: Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Creative Toppings and Variations

Once your banana bread bagels are baked and cooled, it’s time to get creative! Here are some delicious topping ideas and variations to make these bagels truly your own:

Classic Walnut Topping: Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top of the bagels before baking for a crunchy finish.

Chocolate Chip Surprise: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet, gooey twist.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Brush the bagels with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm.

Nut Butter Spread: Serve your bagels with a generous spread of almond butter, peanut butter, or even a dollop of Nutella.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try mixing other fruits, like blueberries or raisins, directly into the dough for a fruity burst of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Banana Bread Bagels

One of the best things about these banana bread bagels is that they store well, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.

Storing Bagels

At Room Temperature: Store the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing them to prevent moisture from making them soggy.

Freezing Bagels: If you’d like to keep them longer, wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. You can store frozen bagels for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

To Reheat: Pop your bagel into a toaster or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.

For Frozen Bagels: Let them thaw at room temperature or heat them directly in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying banana bread bagels:

Can I make banana bread bagels without yeast?

Yes, you can replace the yeast with a baking powder-based recipe, but note that the texture will be more like a biscuit than a traditional bagel.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it should still be delicious.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can fold in blueberries, raisins, or dried cranberries to the dough for a fruity variation of the recipe.

Do I have to boil the bagels?

Boiling is essential for achieving the chewy texture that bagels are known for. Skipping this step will result in a denser, bread-like consistency.

A Must-Try Banana Bread Bagel Recipe for Every Occasion

There you have it—a delightful banana bread bagel recipe that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. Whether you’re serving these for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they bring the comforting flavors of banana bread into a fun, chewy bagel form. Best of all, they’re easy to customize, so you can make them your own with creative toppings and add-ins.

We hope you’ll try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. If you do, leave a comment below or share your creations on social media using the hashtag #BananaBreadBagels. Enjoy your baking adventure!