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

I absolutely love baking banana bread, and this recipe has quickly become my favorite! The combination of ripe bananas and a rich brown sugar streusel topping adds a delightful twist. Every time I make it, the smell wafting through my kitchen is simply irresistible. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea. What I especially appreciate is how easy and forgiving the recipe is, making it a great option for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-01-05T19:06:34.439Z

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was skeptical about the combination of brown sugar and the moist banana bread. However, after my first bite, all doubts vanished! The streusel topping adds a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft texture of the bread. I often serve it warm, and it's a hit with my family and friends.

This banana bread not only satisfies sweet cravings but also uses overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. I've learned that letting the bananas become very ripe allows them to release more flavor and moisture, truly enhancing the final result.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful crunch from the brown sugar streusel topping
Moist and flavorful bread that uses overripe bananas
An easy, forgiving recipe perfect for any skill level

      

The Role of Ripe Bananas

Using ripe bananas is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in this banana bread. The natural sugars in overripe bananas not only sweeten the bread but also contribute to its moistness. You want your bananas to have plenty of dark spots and a soft texture - this indicates they are perfectly ripe. If you've got bananas that are just slightly ripe, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.

When mashing the bananas, don’t worry about making them completely smooth; some chunky bits can add texture and enhance the overall experience of the bread. This is a great time to repurpose those bananas that have gone past their prime—don’t toss them out! Their strong flavor will elevate your banana bread.

Tips for the Perfect Streusel Topping

The brown sugar streusel topping is a delightful contrast to the soft banana bread. When preparing the streusel, it's important to keep your butter cold; this helps create a crumbly texture that adds a lovely crunch. If you find your butter has softened too much, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes before mixing it into the ingredients.

Mix until the streusel resembles coarse crumbs, but avoid overmixing. It's perfectly fine to see some small clumps of butter, as they will create little buttery pockets that melt during baking, enhancing the flavor. For an added twist, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or oats for extra crunch.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, 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 last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature, or pop slices in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience by spreading a thin layer of butter or cream cheese on each slice. For a fun twist, top it with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey. A warm slice alongside your afternoon tea or coffee makes for the perfect cozy treat!

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

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. Stir in the melted butter, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined. Finally, fold in the flour until just mixed.

Make the Streusel Topping

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

Combine and Bake

Pour the banana bread batter into the loaf pan, then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Make sure your bananas are extra ripe for the best flavor.

Customizing Your Banana Bread

One of the beauties of this banana bread recipe is its versatility. You can mix in various add-ins to suit your taste preferences. For example, consider adding half a cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added flavor and texture. Dried fruits such as cranberries or blueberries can also be delicious enhancements, just be mindful of adjusting the sugar slightly if you add sweetened dried fruit.

If you're interested in making this recipe healthier, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Alternatively, you can use coconut oil in place of the melted butter for a dairy-free option while still maintaining excellent flavor and moisture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your banana bread turns out denser than expected, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Remember, you only want to mix until just combined, as overmixing can develop gluten in the flour and make the bread tough. Make sure to fold in the flour with a gentle hand to achieve a tender crumb.

Another common issue is uneven baking. If you notice that the edges of your banana bread are browning too quickly while the center remains wet, consider using a lower oven temperature of 325°F (163°C) and extending the baking time. This allows the bread to bake evenly without over-browning the outside.

Scaling the Recipe

If you want to bake more than one loaf, this recipe scales beautifully! Simply double or triple the ingredients to make multiple loaves at once. To ensure even baking, make sure you have the right size loaf pans, as using too small of a pan can lead to overflowing batter or uneven baking times.

Keep in mind that when scaling the recipe, the baking time may slightly change, especially if you use larger pans. It's a good idea to start checking for doneness about 5-10 minutes earlier than the recommended time for a single loaf, inserting a toothpick in the center to check if it comes out clean.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw your frozen bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ 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.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

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

→ What can I use instead of butter?

You can use vegetable oil or coconut oil as a substitute for butter in this recipe.