Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Highlighted under: Soft Favorites

I absolutely love making this Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel when I have overripe bananas on hand. There's something incredibly satisfying about combining sweet bananas with the warm crunch of brown sugar streusel. This recipe is not only simple but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a moist and delicious loaf. Whether I serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or a delightful dessert, it's always a hit with family and friends. And the aroma that fills my home while it bakes is just heavenly!

Created by

Celia Winterbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:57:34.601Z

During my quest to perfect banana bread, I experimented with various recipes, but the combination of brown sugar and streusel topping truly makes this version stand out. I found that using very ripe bananas enhances the flavor significantly, giving the bread a natural sweetness and depth of taste. The streusel provides a delightful contrast with its crispy texture, making each slice incredibly enjoyable.

One of my best tips is to not overmix the batter; this keeps the bread light and fluffy. I've also learned that letting the bread cool completely before slicing allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a much richer taste experience. Enjoying this with a dollop of butter or a smear of cream cheese takes it to the next level!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich banana flavor complemented by a crunchy streusel topping
Moist and tender texture that keeps you coming back for more
Easily adaptable for different add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips

      

Understanding the Banana Bread Ingredients

The star of this banana bread is, of course, the bananas. Using overripe bananas not only enhances the natural sweetness but also contributes to the bread's moistness. Ripe bananas have more sugar and their soft texture helps achieve that luscious, tender crumb. Aim for bananas with lots of brown spots; they should feel soft to the touch. If you're short on overripe bananas, you can place fresh ones in a brown paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process.

Butter plays a crucial role in this recipe by adding richness and flavor. The melted butter in the batter contrasts beautifully with the streusel, which contains cold cubed butter; this combination creates a delightful balance of textures. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce, which will still provide moisture without the extra fat.

Perfecting the Streusel Topping

The streusel topping is where you can make this banana bread truly your own! The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting flavor, and while traditional recipes typically use butter, consider using coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist. It's important to blend the cold butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve coarse crumbs; this ensures that your topping will bake up nicely crunchy and golden.

When assembling the banana bread, make sure to sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter before heading into the oven. Don’t worry if some of the topping sinks slightly; this is perfectly normal. As it bakes, the streusel will crisp up and form a lovely caramelized crust on top of your bread, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread is baked and cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or on the counter, then warm individual slices in the microwave or toaster for a delightful treat.

This banana bread is wonderfully versatile and can be served in various ways. For a cozy breakfast, consider serving slices with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Feel free to get creative by adding mix-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an additional flavor boost!

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Streusel Topping

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Make the Batter

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, fold in the flour until just combined.

Prepare the Streusel

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips

For a unique twist, try adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking. This banana bread also freezes beautifully for up to three months—just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil!

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If your banana bread turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing. When you combine the flour into the wet ingredients, mix only until everything is just combined. It’s perfectly fine for there to be small lumps! Remember, gluten development creates tough bread, so gentle folding is key to maintaining a light texture.

Underbaking is another common issue. If your toothpick doesn’t come out clean after 60 minutes, be patient and continue baking, checking every 5 minutes, until it is fully cooked. Remember, baking times can vary based on your oven and the material of the loaf pan.

Ingredient Alternatives and Variations

If you're looking to switch up the flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. For a chocolaty twist, fold in a half-cup of chocolate chips after mixing your batter but before pouring it into the pan. This can turn your banana bread into an indulgent dessert.

For those with dietary restrictions, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure to check the blend's specific substitution ratios, as they can vary from brand to brand.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.

→ How can I tell when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice.

→ How should I store the banana bread?

Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, or refrigerate for an extended shelf life.