Overripe bananas were never thrown away in my home growing up. My mother taught me early that those speckled fruits weren’t trash but treasure – the starting point for the most delicious banana bread. This Brown Sugar Streusel version evolved during my early catering days when clients requested “something a little special” for breakfast meetings. The simple addition of a crisp, caramelized topping transformed humble banana bread into a sought-after signature item that clients would specifically request.
Brown Sugar Streusel Banana Bread
Moist banana-filled loaf topped with crisp brown sugar streusel creates perfect texture contrast in every bite.
Prepare Baking Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel. Using your fingers or a fork, work in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in nuts if using. Refrigerate while preparing the batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and mashed bananas until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix - some small flour streaks are okay.
Fill the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Add Streusel and Bake
Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the batter. Gently press it down just slightly so it adheres. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Store
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The bread can be stored at room temperature, tightly wrapped, for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Banana Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe
Learn how to make this delicious Brown Sugar Streusel Banana Bread with a perfect balance of moist bread and crunchy topping.
This recipe brilliantly solves the common banana bread problem of being too dense or gummy in the center. The streusel topping creates a protective layer that allows the bread to bake more evenly while adding an irresistible textural contrast. Even better, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and requires no special equipment – just two bowls and a fork will do the job! Make it on Sunday, and you’ll enjoy slices all week as the flavor actually improves after a day.
Each bite offers the perfect contrast between the moist, tender crumb of the banana-rich bread and the sweet crunch of the buttery brown sugar streusel. The warm fragrance of cinnamon and caramelized sugar fills your kitchen as it bakes, creating an atmosphere of comfort and anticipation. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas harmonizes perfectly with the molasses notes in the brown sugar, creating a complex flavor that belies the recipe’s simplicity.
This banana bread transcends simple breakfast fare and becomes a worthy addition to brunch spreads or afternoon coffee gatherings. Try toasting a slice and adding a smear of cream cheese for an elevated treat, or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy weeknight dessert. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, this recipe proves that sometimes the most humble ingredients can create the most memorable eating experiences. Why settle for ordinary banana bread when the extraordinary is just a streusel away?
Comments are closed.