Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel Recipe

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the delightful flavors of moist banana bread topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack!

Ainsley Harper

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-02T01:49:10.409Z

This banana bread is a family favorite, known for its moist texture and rich flavor. The addition of a brown sugar streusel on top adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the softness of the bread.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Moist and flavorful with ripe bananas
  • Crunchy brown sugar streusel topping
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find
  • Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

This banana bread recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and moisture, thanks to the ripe bananas. Each bite is infused with a rich banana flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a delectable crust that complements the soft interior, making it a delightful treat for any time of day.

The addition of brown sugar in both the bread and the streusel topping elevates the flavor profile. Brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the overall richness and depth of the banana bread. This is a simple yet effective twist that makes this recipe stand out from traditional banana bread.

Versatile and Easy to Make

One of the best aspects of this banana bread recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to suit your taste. This makes it a fantastic option for using up overripe bananas without the need for complicated ingredients or techniques.

The preparation process is straightforward and beginner-friendly. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious loaf of banana bread in no time. It’s perfect for busy mornings or lazy afternoons when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to three months and be enjoyed whenever a craving strikes.

When serving, consider pairing the banana bread with a dollop of cream cheese or a spread of nut butter for an extra layer of flavor. You can also toast slices for a warm, comforting treat that enhances the crunchy streusel topping. This makes it a delightful addition to breakfast tables or afternoon tea gatherings.

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 Brown Sugar Streusel

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

Mix the ingredients thoroughly before pouring the batter into the loaf pan.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Banana Bread 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.

Finally, add the flour and mix until just combined.

Make the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.

Combine and Bake

Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar streusel on top and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

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

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

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

When selecting bananas for this recipe, choose ones that are fully ripe with plenty of brown spots. These bananas are sweeter and will yield a more flavorful bread. If you only have green bananas, place them in a paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process.

Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Mixing until just combined will help keep the bread light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which is not ideal for a delightful banana bread.

Healthier Variations

If you're looking to make a healthier version of this banana bread, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add more fiber and nutrients without compromising too much on taste or texture.

You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. The natural sweetness from the ripe bananas can often allow you to cut back on added sugars. Additionally, substituting some of the butter with applesauce can lower the fat content while still keeping the bread moist.

Pairing Ideas

Banana bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, making it a perfect breakfast or mid-morning snack option. The rich flavors of the bread complement the bitterness of coffee beautifully.

For a more indulgent dessert, serve slices of banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. This combination creates a delightful contrast of warm and cold, adding another layer of enjoyment to this already delicious treat.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work great! Just thaw them before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

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

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel Recipe

Enjoy the delightful flavors of moist banana bread topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration60 minutes
Overall Time75 minutes

Created by: Ainsley Harper

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

For the Banana Bread

  1. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  2. 1/3 cup melted butter
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. Pinch of salt
  5. 3/4 cup brown sugar
  6. 1 large egg, beaten
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Brown Sugar Streusel

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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. Finally, add the flour and mix until just combined.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.

Step 04

Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar streusel on top and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 05

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 4g