Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 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; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, featuring a crumbly, sweet topping that perfectly complements the moist banana bread.

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2026-01-02T00:52:06.973Z

This banana bread is not only easy to make but also perfect for using up overripe bananas. The addition of brown sugar streusel brings a delightful crunch and sweetness to every bite.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and flavorful banana bread that's easy to make
Crunchy brown sugar streusel adds a delicious texture
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

      

The Perfect Bananas for Baking

Choosing the right bananas is crucial for making the best banana bread. For optimal flavor and moisture, use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots. These bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, ensuring a rich taste that infuses your bread with natural sweetness.

If you have bananas that are not quite ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process. Simply place them in a paper bag at room temperature, and they should ripen within a day or two. Avoid using bananas that are too overripe, as they can have an off flavor.

Tips for the Best Bread Texture

To achieve the perfect texture in your banana bread, it's important not to overmix the batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just incorporated. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough bread rather than the light and fluffy treat you desire.

Also, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together more evenly, resulting in a more consistent texture. If you have cold eggs or butter, simply let them sit out for about 30 minutes before starting your recipe.

Streusel Variations to Try

While the brown sugar streusel in this recipe is delicious, feel free to get creative! You can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the streusel for added crunch and flavor. Alternatively, you could incorporate chocolate chips into the banana bread batter for a sweet twist.

If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger to the streusel mix. Not only will this enhance the overall taste, but it will also provide a warm, cozy aroma while baking, making your kitchen smell 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

For the Brown Sugar Streusel

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

Mix the ingredients thoroughly before baking.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Make the Banana Bread

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and stir in the melted butter. Add the baking soda and salt, then mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the flour until just combined.

Prepare the Streusel

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

Combine and Bake

Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel on top. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.

Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious banana bread warm or at room temperature.

Storing Your Banana Bread

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container. It will stay moist for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to enjoy later.

When you're ready to eat your frozen banana bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you crave that delicious banana flavor!

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Serve it plain for a simple treat, or slather it with a generous layer of butter or cream cheese for a richer experience. You can also toast slices to add a delightful crispiness.

For a more indulgent dessert, consider serving banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. This combination is sure to impress guests and elevate your banana bread into a decadent dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How should I store leftover banana bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.