Description
This vibrant Unicorn Bread is a fun and colorful twist on classic banana bread, featuring swirls in pink, purple, and neon green hues. Perfect for parties or a whimsical treat, this loaf is packed with ripe bananas for natural sweetness and finished with a delightful sprinkle-studded glaze that brings a magical rainbow touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe medium bananas (mashed)
Coloring and Decoration
- Pink, purple, and neon green gel food coloring
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
- Rainbow sprinkles (for topping)
Glaze
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly mixed. This will ensure your leavening and seasoning are well distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air for a fluffy texture.
- Add Eggs and Bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the mashed ripe bananas until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender and moist.
- Divide and Color Batter: Split the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl—pink in one, purple in another, and neon green in the last. Stir thoroughly and add more color if needed to achieve bright, vibrant hues.
- Layer Batter and Sprinkles: Using an ice cream scoop or ¼ cup measuring cup, place dollops of each colored batter into the prepared loaf pan. Between dollops, evenly sprinkle some of the ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles. Continue layering batter and sprinkles until all are used up, creating a colorful, swirled effect.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 65 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. Remove from the oven and let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Cool and Glaze: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together the confectioners sugar and milk until smooth to make the glaze. Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled bread and finish by sprinkling additional rainbow sprinkles on top for a festive look.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe bananas with brown spots to maximize sweetness and moisture.
- If gel food coloring is unavailable, liquid food coloring can be used but colors may be less vibrant.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense texture.
- You can substitute the rainbow sprinkles with any festive or themed sprinkles for other occasions.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze sliced bread wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
