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 sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Ideas

I absolutely love baking this Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel because it's the perfect blend of moist and crumbly. Each slice is bursting with flavor, thanks to ripe bananas and a sweet, crunchy topping that elevates the standard banana bread. I enjoy preparing it for brunch gatherings or simply as a treat for my family. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes is irresistible, making it a favorite for all ages. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:02:35.640Z

Baking this banana bread became a cherished weekend ritual in my home. I remember the first time I perfected the streusel topping; it added such a delightful crunch that contrasted beautifully with the soft and fluffy banana bread. The blend of brown sugar and cinnamon enhances the bananas' natural sweetness, making each bite utterly satisfying. One tip I've learned is to ensure your bananas are overripe; the darker, the better, as they provide maximum flavor and moisture.

Over time, I've adjusted the recipe slightly, using a mix of whole and all-purpose flour for added texture and nutrition. I also love adding a touch of vanilla extract to the batter for a lovely fragrance. This banana bread not only feeds the belly but fills the heart with warmth and nostalgia, reminding me of simpler times spent with loved ones in the kitchen.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful crumbly streusel that adds texture to every slice
Perfectly sweetened with ripe bananas and brown sugar
Great for breakfast, snacks, or as a comforting dessert

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a moist and flavorful banana bread lies in the use of ripe bananas. Make sure your bananas are well-spotted or even browning; this enhances the sweetness and ensures a rich banana flavor. If you find yourself with unripe bananas, consider placing them in a paper bag for a couple of days to hasten the ripening process, or you can bake them in their skin at 300°F for about 30-40 minutes until they turn black.

Using a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour not only provides a heartier texture but also introduces a slight nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend can be used, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly as these flours behave differently.

Mastering the Technique

When mixing the banana bread batter, be careful not to overmix the flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf due to gluten development. Simply mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated; some lumps are perfectly fine. I often use a rubber spatula for this to fold in the flour gently without overworking it.

The streusel topping adds an incredible texture contrast, so ensure your butter is cold when you mix it in. This helps create that crumbly topping we all love. If your streusel is too wet or binds together, add a teaspoon of flour at a time until you reach the desired crumbly consistency. The contrasting textures between the soft banana bread and the crunchy streusel make each bite delightful.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour

For the Brown Sugar Streusel

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, then add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the baking soda and salt, followed by the flours until just combined.

Make the Streusel Topping

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

Combine and Bake

Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This banana bread can be stored at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, slice the bread and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop a slice in the toaster for a quick warm-up.

You can also prepare the batter a day in advance if needed. Mix all your ingredients but wait to add the streusel until you're ready to bake. This helps retain the freshness of the bananas and the texture of the streusel. Just remember that the bread may take a bit longer to bake if the batter is chilled.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread makes a fantastic breakfast or snack on its own, but you can elevate it even further. Try adding a smear of cream cheese for a tangy contrast against the sweetness, or serve it warm with a pat of butter. For an indulgent dessert, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a treat that feels extra special.

Moreover, you can customize the flavor by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter. These not only enhance the flavor profile but also add a lovely texture, making your banana bread even more exciting. Just be mindful not to exceed a cup total of mix-ins to maintain the right batter consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly. Simply thaw them and drain off any excess moisture.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I add to customize my banana bread?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to enhance the flavor and texture.