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; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making banana bread, but I wanted to elevate it this time. This recipe features a delightful brown sugar streusel on top, which adds a caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the moist banana bread. I often find that the combination of ripe bananas and brown sugar brings an incredible depth of flavor. Trust me, after you bake this loaf, your kitchen will smell divine, and you’ll have a treat perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Created by

Cassandra Reed

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:53:34.968Z

When I first experimented with adding a streusel topping to my banana bread, I was blown away by how much it elevated the flavor. The crunch of the brown sugar and butter mixture contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy banana texture. I recommend using very ripe bananas; they not only mash easier but also contribute more natural sweetness to the loaf, reducing the need for added sugars.

Another tip I've found essential is letting the bread cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents the loaf from breaking apart and allows it to maintain its moisture. Each slice will be soft and delicious, perfect for toasting or slathering with butter!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich banana flavor paired with a crunchy streusel topping
Moist crumb that stays fresh for days
Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful afternoon snack

      

The Role of Ripe Bananas

Using ripe bananas is essential for the best banana bread. The more spots on the banana peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the fruit becomes. Ideally, you should use bananas that are heavily speckled or even black, as they bring out a deep, rich flavor in the bread. If you find you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or performing a quick oven hack by baking them at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until soft.

Additionally, the texture of the mashed bananas impacts the final product. Ensure they are mashed until only small chunks remain, which will contribute to a moist crumb. If over-mashed into a puree, you may end up with a denser banana bread, so aim for a balance that retains some banana texture.

Mastering the Streusel Topping

The brown sugar streusel topping is what sets this banana bread apart. When mixing the streusel, be sure to combine the dry ingredients first to ensure even distribution of the brown sugar and cinnamon. The key to a great streusel is achieving a crumbly texture; if the mixture is too wet, add a little extra flour. Conversely, if it's too dry, a touch more softened butter can help achieve the desired crumble before sprinkling it generously over the banana bread batter.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts or oats into the streusel. Chopped walnuts or pecans pair wonderfully with the sweet banana bread, adding a satisfying crunch. For a twist, you can experiment with spices such as nutmeg or cardamom in the streusel to create a unique flavor profile that complements the caramel notes of brown sugar.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious banana bread:

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Brown Sugar Streusel

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Once you've gathered these ingredients, you're all set to make the perfect banana bread!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for a delicious loaf:

Prepare the Streusel

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.

Make the Banana Bread Batter

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with melted butter. Stir in both sugars, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Add baking soda and salt, then mix in the flour until just incorporated.

Combine and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and sprinkle the streusel on top. Bake for 50 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 it to a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled and enjoy!

Now you can savor each bite of this wonderfully moist banana bread!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the pan.

Storage Tips

To store your banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Properly stored, the banana bread will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a piece whenever the craving hits without having to thaw the entire loaf.

When thawing, simply remove a slice from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. This method keeps the bread moist and delicious, so you can enjoy that fresh-baked taste any day of the week!

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this banana bread recipe! For instance, you can swap in whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour to add a nutty flavor and increase the nutritional value. If you’re looking for a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use non-dairy milk in place of butter, heating it slightly to keep the butter effect in mind.

Another delightful variation is to add chocolate chips or dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, to the batter for added sweetness and texture. Each of these alternatives brings a unique twist to the classic recipe, allowing you to enjoy banana bread in various forms.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

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

→ How do I store the banana bread?

Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I substitute the flour?

You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, but the texture may vary.

→ What can I add to this recipe?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for added flavor and texture!