There’s something about the smell of banana bread baking that instantly makes a house feel like home. One afternoon, I pulled a loaf from the oven—still warm, streusel topping crackling gently as I sliced through it. I was juggling a phone call and nearly dropped the knife, but that’s how these moments go, right? The edges were perfectly caramelized, and the scent of cinnamon from the brown sugar streusel mingled with the ripe banana sweetness. I grabbed a slice and sat down, savoring the contrast of crunchy topping and tender crumb. It wasn’t fancy, but it was exactly what I needed—a small, comforting pause in a busy day.
- The brown sugar streusel adds a sweet crunch that makes each bite interesting and a little indulgent.
- The bread stays moist thanks to ripe bananas and a touch of buttermilk, but it’s not overly sweet—balanced enough to enjoy any time.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just classic flavors that feel familiar.
- Adding walnuts is an option if you like a bit of earthiness, but skipping them keeps it perfect for nut-free snacking.
Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this recipe is forgiving and approachable. You’ll find the streusel topping comes together with a quick mix and a pinch of cinnamon that makes all the difference. Baking it fills your kitchen with warmth and a gentle sense of accomplishment that’s worth savoring.
Print
The Best Banana Bread With Brown Sugar Streusel
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
Description
Moist and flavorful banana bread topped with a sweet and crunchy brown sugar streusel. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Brown Sugar Streusel:
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Stir in the mashed bananas and buttermilk until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
In a small bowl, prepare the brown sugar streusel by combining the brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, and ground cinnamon.
Cut the cold butter into the streusel mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the brown sugar streusel evenly over the top of the batter.
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
When you’re ready to bake, any standard loaf pan will do—no fancy equipment needed. This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon tea break. If you want to mix things up, try swapping the walnuts for pecans or even folding in some dark chocolate chips, though I haven’t tested how that changes the texture exactly. Sometimes, I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an extra crisp finish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing. It works well, but the texture might be a tad denser.
How long will it keep? Stored airtight at room temperature, it’s best within three days. Freezing is great for extending its life.
Can I make it gluten-free? I haven’t tried it, but using a gluten-free flour blend might work with minor texture changes.
This banana bread makes mornings feel a little more special. Go ahead, bake a loaf and let the aroma fill your home—it’s worth every crumb.