Banana Bread with Streusel Crumb Topping is the perfect way to enjoy a moist, tender loaf packed with ripe bananas and a sweet, crunchy crumb topping that adds just the right amount of texture. The streusel topping, made with butter, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, gives each slice a delightful little crunch that makes this banana bread extra special.
I love making this banana bread because it feels like a cozy treat that’s easy to share with friends or family. The crumb topping makes it feel like a homemade bakery treat right in your kitchen. I always find myself sneaking an extra slice warm from the oven—there’s something about that mix of soft banana bread and the crispy topping that’s just irresistible!
The best way I like to serve this bread is with a little bit of butter or cream cheese spread on top, especially for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you’re looking for a simple recipe that transforms a classic banana loaf into something a little more exciting, this is definitely one to try. It’s sure to become a favorite in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key—they add natural sweetness and moisture. The riper, the better! If you’re short on bananas, you can add a bit of unsweetened applesauce, but nothing beats the banana flavor.
Butter & Sugars: Butter gives richness, while a mix of granulated and brown sugar adds balance and moisture. For dairy-free, swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
Buttermilk or Yogurt: They add tenderness and a slight tang. If you don’t have either, use milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
Streusel Topping: The mix of flour, cinnamon, sugar, and cold butter creates a crumbly, crunchy layer. You can add chopped nuts for extra texture, or swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a different flavor.
How Do I Make a Perfect Streusel Topping?
The streusel is all about texture and balance. Keep these in mind:
- Keep the butter cold to help form those nice crumbly bits rather than a paste.
- Use a fork, pastry cutter, or fingers to mix butter into dry ingredients until crumbs form.
- Don’t overwork the topping or it will get doughy instead of crumbly.
- Evenly sprinkle the streusel over the batter before baking for a golden crunchy top.
- If the crumbs brown too fast, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
This topping takes your banana bread from simple to special with just a few extra minutes and simple steps.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5 inch loaf pan – I use this because it’s the perfect size to get a nice, tall loaf with even baking.
- Mixing bowls – a couple of medium bowls make it easy to separate wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk – helps cream butter and sugars smoothly, saving time and effort.
- Fork or pastry cutter – essential for blending the cold butter into the streusel ingredients for that perfect crumbly texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measurements ensure the bread turns out just right.
- Parchment paper (optional) – makes removing the baked bread easier and reduces clean-up.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor; sprinkle on top before baking or fold into the batter.
- Chocolate chips: mix in 1/2 cup for pockets of melty chocolate, great for a sweet twist.
- Dark spices like nutmeg or ginger enhance warm, cozy flavors—add a pinch to the batter or streusel.
- Blueberries or dried cranberries stirred into the batter give you bursts of fruitiness with each slice.
Banana Bread with Streusel Crumb Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup (43g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes to prepare and about 60-70 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 15 minutes to cool before slicing and serving. In total, plan for around 90 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bread easier.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This will ensure they are well combined and ready to mix with your wet ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air to help your bread be tender.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully blend them in. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Mix in Bananas and Buttermilk:
Stir the mashed ripe bananas and buttermilk (or yogurt) into the mixture until everything is combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Mix gently just until you no longer see flour—avoid overmixing to keep your bread moist and tender.
7. Fill the Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
9. Add the Streusel and Bake:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter in the loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the streusel browns too quickly, cover the bread loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove it and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the bread to finish setting and makes slicing easier.
Enjoy your delicious banana bread with its tender crumb and sweet, crunchy streusel topping! It’s wonderful on its own or with a bit of butter or cream cheese.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Banana Bread?
Yes, frozen bananas work great! Thaw them completely at room temperature or in the fridge, then mash well before adding to the batter. They may be a bit more watery, so drain any excess liquid if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and swap the buttermilk with coconut milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent the Streusel from Burning?
If the crumb topping starts browning too fast while baking, loosely cover the loaf with foil halfway through the baking time. This keeps the streusel crunchy without burning.
