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 all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore baking this Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel. The delightful aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible! The combination of ripe bananas and warm spices creates a comforting flavor that I love indulging in with my morning coffee. The brown sugar streusel adds a sweet, crunchy texture that takes every bite to another level. Whether it's for breakfast or a snack, this recipe is a consistent crowd-pleaser that never disappoints!

Created by

Jessica Brown

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:29:34.824Z

When I made this Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel for the first time, I was amazed at how simple it was to achieve such incredible flavor. The trick is to use really ripe bananas, as their natural sweetness enhances the overall taste. I also found that a sprinkle of cinnamon in the batter adds warmth without overpowering the banana flavor.

The streusel topping is the star of the show! Mixing cold butter into the brown sugar and flour creates a crumbly texture that bakes beautifully. One day, I decided to add some chopped walnuts to the streusel, and it brought a delightful crunch that I’m sure will keep you coming back for more!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect blend of sweet and spice in every slice
A crunchy brown sugar topping that adds delightful texture
Easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends

Mastering the Banana Bread Batter

The secret to a perfectly moist banana bread lies in the ripeness of your bananas. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even fully brown bananas as they will provide a deeper sweetness and a richer flavor. When mashing them, ensure they’re smooth but slightly chunky to give a lovely texture. Mixing the melted butter into the bananas helps keep the bread moist during baking, which is crucial for achieving that tender crumb.

Incorporating the dry ingredients gently is key to avoiding a dense loaf. When you fold in the flour, do so until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough texture. I always use a spatula here rather than a mixer to maintain that gentle touch. You’ll know it’s ready once the flour is no longer visible, but a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Creating the Perfect Streusel Topping

For the streusel topping, using cold butter is essential to achieve that crumbly texture. I recommend cutting the butter into the dry ingredients quickly with a pastry cutter or two forks until you see small pea-sized pieces. This process emulsifies the fat which contributes to the streusel's crispiness once baked. If you find your streusel is too wet, add a sprinkle of flour to lighten the mixture.

The cinnamon adds a warm spice to the sweet topping, but feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or a pinch of allspice for different flavor profiles. A personal favorite of mine is to add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the streusel for added crunch and flavor. Just make sure to toast them slightly for even more depth!

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 all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine all the ingredients thoroughly to create a moist batter.

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, combine the melted butter with the mashed bananas. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Add the brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended, then fold in the flour.

Make the Streusel

In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf 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

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and enjoy your delicious banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use overripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. You can also customize the recipe by adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.

Tips for Perfect Storage

To store your banana bread, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain moisture and keep the bread from drying out. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, I recommend slicing the bread and placing it in an airtight container in the freezer; it can last for about three months this way.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen banana bread, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer a warm treat, pop the slices in a toaster or microwave for a quick reheating option. This keeps the banana bread deliciously soft with that fresh-baked flavor.

Make It Your Own

This banana bread recipe is incredibly versatile! For a chocolatey twist, consider replacing a portion of the flour with cocoa powder or folding in chocolate chips right before baking. You could also add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweet burst. Zest from a lemon or orange can brighten up the flavors beautifully, complementing the bananas nicely.

If you are looking for a healthier option, feel free to substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, which will add a nutty flavor and boost the nutritional content. You can also experiment with reducing the amount of brown sugar slightly, especially if your bananas are very ripe and sweet.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze leftover banana bread?

Absolutely! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for brown sugar?

You can use an equal amount of white sugar and add one tablespoon of molasses to achieve a similar flavor.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but it may result in a denser loaf. You might consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter texture.

→ How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick or a knife into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready to be taken out.