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 egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Highlighted under: Soft Collection

I absolutely adore baking this banana bread with brown sugar streusel. The combination of ripe bananas and rich brown sugar creates a sweet aroma that fills my kitchen, making it feel cozy and inviting. What I love most is the crumbly topping, which offers a delightful texture contrast to the moist bread. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a sweet snack, this banana bread never fails to impress my family and friends. It’s simply the perfect way to use those overripe bananas sitting on the counter!

Created by

Briony Ashcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:37:34.540Z

Baking this banana bread with brown sugar streusel was an experiment that turned out to be a delightful success! I started with my grandmother’s classic banana bread recipe but added a streusel topping using brown sugar and cinnamon, which adds depth and unexpected richness. The first time I served it, my friends couldn’t get enough, and I quickly realized that the secret is letting the bananas fully ripen to enhance their sweetness.

To make this recipe even more special, I recommend letting the bread cool for a bit before slicing. This helps the flavors meld together, creating a more cohesive taste. I also discovered that adding a pinch of vanilla extract elevates the aroma, making it even more enticing. Trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly!

        Why You’ll Love This Recipe
        Moist texture enhanced by ripe bananas
Deliciously sweet brown sugar streusel topping
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

      

Choosing the Right Bananas

The key to achieving a moist and flavorful banana bread lies in using ripe bananas. Look for bananas with brown spots on the skin, which indicate optimal sweetness and softness. If you happen to have green bananas on hand, place them in a paper bag with an apple or ripe banana to speed up the ripening process. This method can take anywhere from one to three days, allowing you to use overripe bananas that are perfect for baking.

Another tip for enhancing the flavor of your banana bread is to mash the bananas until smooth. This not only incorporates them into the batter well but also ensures that their natural sugars are evenly distributed throughout the loaf. I always prefer a mix of slightly chunky and smooth banana for added texture. And remember, if your bananas are extremely ripe, feel free to freeze them and use them later—just ensure they're thawed completely before mixing with the other ingredients.

Brown Sugar vs. Granulated Sugar

In this banana bread recipe, we use brown sugar for both the bread and streusel topping, which adds a deeper, caramelized flavor compared to granulated sugar. The molasses content in brown sugar not only contributes to a more complex sweetness but also helps retain moisture in the bread, giving it that sought-after soft texture. If you only have granulated sugar on hand, you can substitute it by adding one tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar to mimic the properties of brown sugar.

When preparing the streusel topping, take care not to overwork the mixture. Mixing it by hand until you achieve a crumbly consistency prevents the butter from melting and maintains the streusel's texture. If the cubes of butter aren’t cold enough, the streusel may become greasy instead of crumbly. For a spiced twist, consider adding chopped nuts or oats to the streusel for added crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your banana bread adventure!

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 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
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can smoothly proceed to the next steps.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly baked banana bread!

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Mix well.

Add Sugar and Egg

Stir in baking soda and salt, then add brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla. Mix until combined.

Incorporate Flour

Gently fold in the flour until just mixed; do not overmix.

Make the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the topping ingredients with your fingers until crumbly.

Combine and Bake

Pour the banana bread mixture into the prepared loaf pan, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly on top, and bake for about 60 minutes.

Cool and Serve

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

Enjoy your homemade banana bread with a warm cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have leftovers, consider freezing slices wrapped individually for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or use the microwave, heating in short intervals until warmed through. This allows you to enjoy a slice of delicious banana bread whenever a craving strikes.

If you're concerned about the streusel losing its texture during storage, consider adding it just before baking any leftovers. This technique ensures you maintain that delightful crunch on top, especially if you plan to serve it several days after baking. Just be sure to broil for a minute or two for a fresh-streusel effect before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread can be enjoyed in numerous ways beyond just slicing and serving it plain. For a decadent breakfast, toast a slice and spread a layer of cream cheese or almond butter. Topping it with sliced strawberries or blueberries will introduce a burst of freshness and color to your meal. If you want an indulgent dessert, consider drizzling a bit of melted chocolate or a caramel sauce on top.

For a fun twist, try using your banana bread as a base for a dessert sandwich. Layer a slice with ice cream and another piece of banana bread for an easy and delightful banana bread ice cream sandwich. You can use homemade ice cream or your favorite store-bought variety to enhance your banana bread experience!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, you can freeze banana bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

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

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

→ What can I add to the banana bread for extra flavor?

Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a spoonful of peanut butter for a different twist.

→ How long does banana bread last?

Banana bread lasts about 4-5 days at room temperature in an airtight container or up to 3 months in the freezer.