Save A rich, ultra-moist banana bread topped with creamy float-inspired frosting—perfect for breakfast or dessert, with a playful twist reminiscent of classic soda floats.
I first made this Rebel Float Banana Bread for a weekend brunch, and it was an instant favorite. The frosting’s hint of soda flavor really adds a unique spin that surprises everyone.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (190 g)
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): ½ cup (115 g)
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150 g)
- Eggs (large, room temperature): 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Ripe bananas (mashed): 3 (about 1 ¼ cups/310 g)
- Sour cream or plain yogurt: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Unsalted butter (softened, for frosting): 3 tablespoons
- Powdered sugar (sifted): 1 cup (120 g)
- Heavy cream or milk: 2 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): 1 teaspoon
- Cream soda or root beer: 2-3 tablespoons
- Optional toppings: Maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk to combine. Stir in mashed bananas and sour cream (or yogurt).
- Combine & Fold:
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add heavy cream, vanilla, and soda, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust soda for desired flavor and consistency.
- Frost & Garnish:
- Once bread is completely cool, spread frosting generously over the top. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and/or chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and serve.
Save My sister and I used to enjoy soda floats together on lazy Sunday afternoons, so recreating those moments with banana bread and float frosting brings back lots of good memories.
Required Tools
9x5-inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (for frosting, optional), spatula, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy), and may contain tree nuts if nuts are added. Always check soda and other ingredients for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 320, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 4 g
Save This frosted banana bread is best enjoyed fresh with a cold glass of milk or coffee. Each slice captures a deliciously nostalgic soda float feel for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute cream soda with root beer in the frosting?
Yes, root beer works well and intensifies the float-inspired flavor in the frosting.
- → Is there a way to make this treat lighter?
Use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce butter in the frosting for a lighter finish.
- → What can I add for extra texture?
Chopped nuts or chocolate chips may be folded into the batter before baking for more texture.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and keep at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days for freshness.
- → Does this loaf contain allergens?
It contains gluten, eggs, and dairy. Additional tree nuts may be present if included.