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

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Recipes

I’ve always loved the comforting aroma of banana bread baking in the oven, and this version with brown sugar streusel takes it to the next level. The crumbly topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist, sweet banana bread underneath. I can’t help but smile every time I slice into a loaf, and I believe you’ll fall for it too! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, and it's a great way to use up ripe bananas.

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:57:34.236Z

When I first made this banana bread with brown sugar streusel, I discovered just how transformative a simple topping can be. The streusel adds a sweet crunch that enhances the rich banana flavor. I often use overripe bananas, as they provide the best sweetness and moisture.

I also experimented with the baking time and temperature to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the inside fluffy and tender. Trust me, slicing into a warm loaf fresh from the oven is a treat like no other!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich banana flavor complemented by a crunchy streusel topping
Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack

Using Ripe Bananas

The key to achieving a moist and flavorful banana bread is using ripe bananas. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even those that are mostly brown for the best flavor and natural sweetness. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. This enhances the overall flavor and ensures that your bread is naturally sweet without needing excessive added sugars.

If you find yourself with extra ripe bananas and are not ready to bake, you can freeze them! Simply peel the bananas and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to make the bread, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in a warm water bath until soft. This will give you perfectly mashed bananas for your recipe, retaining all the moisture for that deliciously moist bread.

Streusel Topping Tips

Creating the perfect streusel topping can elevate your banana bread significantly. When mixing the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon, it’s essential to ensure the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This texture allows the topping to create a delightful crunch when baked, giving a wonderful contrast to the soft banana bread. If the topping feels too wet, simply add a bit more flour until the right consistency is reached.

For those looking to add a twist, consider incorporating chopped nuts or oats into the streusel mixture. Walnuts or pecans pair particularly well with the flavors in banana bread, adding both a nutty crunch and an extra layer of texture. For a touch of warmth, an additional pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor profile of your streusel.

Storage and Reheating

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its moistness. Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. This way, you can enjoy a piece whenever you crave it! Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

To reheat banana bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the wrapped bread warm in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds for a quick treat. Serve it warm and consider adding a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey to enhance the flavors even more!

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 melted butter
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 Banana Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt.

Mix in Sugar and Egg

Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Incorporate the Flour

Gently fold in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan and 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 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this banana bread a bit healthier, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This not only adds a nutty flavor but also increases the fiber content of your bread. Similarly, you could replace the regular sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup, adjusting the liquid content slightly to accommodate for the differences in moisture.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make a vegan version of this banana bread. Substitute the large egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). You can also use a vegan butter replacement in the recipe to keep it dairy-free while still maintaining the moist texture of the bread.

Flavor Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try adding mix-ins to your banana bread for an exciting twist. Dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips can add a sweet contrast to the banana flavor, while dried fruit like cranberries or raisins can provide a delightful chewiness. For an added layer of spice, consider folding in a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom, which complements the sweetness of the bananas beautifully.

Another variation could be to add different types of nuts beyond just walnuts or pecans. Almonds or hazelnuts bring distinct flavors that can enhance the overall taste profile. You can also experiment by swapping out the cinnamon in the streusel for pumpkin spice in the autumn months for a seasonal touch that adds a warm depth to the final product.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the bananas completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store the banana bread?

You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for a week.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute melted butter with coconut oil or any dairy-free butter alternative.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.