Banana Bread with Streusel Crumb Topping is a classic treat that’s both soft and sweet with a crunchy, buttery topping. The moist banana bread is packed with ripe bananas, and the streusel crumb adds just the right amount of texture and extra sweetness. It’s the perfect mix of tender and crumbly in every bite.
I love making this banana bread on a lazy weekend morning. The smell of bananas and cinnamon filling the kitchen is so comforting, and the streusel topping gives it that little extra special touch that always gets compliments. I like to slice it thick and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee—it really feels like a little moment of happiness.
This banana bread is great for breakfast, snack time, or even a light dessert. You can easily wrap a slice for a lunchbox treat, and I think kids especially love the crumb topping because it’s fun and a bit crunchy. I often find myself eating just one more slice because it’s just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work, but the flavor will be different.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavor balanced. You can replace it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the texture might slightly change.
Buttermilk or Yogurt: This adds moisture and a subtle tang. If you don’t have either, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice and let sit 5 minutes as a substitute.
Brown Sugar in Streusel: It gives a rich caramel flavor and crunch. You can swap it for coconut sugar or white sugar if needed, though the flavor will be less deep.
How Do You Make a Perfect Streusel Topping That Stays Crispy?
Be sure to use cold, cubed butter and toss it quickly with the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter. The goal is pea-sized crumbs, not a paste. This creates a crumbly texture that crisps up nicely when baked.
- Keep butter chilled until just before you mix.
- Work fast to avoid melting the butter from your hands.
- Evenly spread the crumb topping over the batter to avoid clumps.
This method gives you a nice contrast between the soft bread and crunchy topping, making each bite more delightful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5 inch loaf pan – I recommend this size because it helps the bread cook evenly and makes slicing easier.
- Mixing bowls – a couple of medium and large bowls make mixing separate parts simpler.
- Whisk or spoon – helps combine dry ingredients smoothly and aerate the batter.
- Electric hand or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar faster and easier.
- Pastry cutter or forks – perfect for cutting butter into the streusel ingredients for a crumbly topping.
- Measuring cups and spoons – get precise measurements for the best result.
- Parchment paper (optional) – for easy removal and less sticking in the pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips – stirring in a 1/2 cup adds bursts of chocolate and makes it more decadent.
- Walnuts or pecans – tossing in a handful gives crunch and nutty flavor, great with bananas.
- Blueberries or raspberries – fold in fresh or frozen berries for a fruity twist.
- Spices – adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can warm up the flavor profile.
Banana Bread with Streusel Crumb Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups (about 3 large) very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 60-70 minutes for baking. Allow an extra 15 minutes for cooling before slicing and serving. In total, set aside around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy fresh, delicious banana bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next.
5. Add Bananas and Vanilla:
Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and combined.
6. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the dry flour mixture to the banana mixture alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—try not to overmix, so your bread stays tender.
7. Pour Batter into Pan:
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
9. Add the Streusel Topping:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the banana bread batter in the loaf pan, covering the surface.
10. Bake the Bread:
Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it toward the end of baking to avoid overcooking.
11. Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread hold together and keeps the streusel topping crisp.
12. Enjoy!
Slice your delicious Banana Bread with Streusel Crumb Topping and enjoy it fresh. It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, or just as a tasty snack anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Banana Bread?
Yes, frozen bananas work great! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage and thaw before serving.
Can I Make the Streusel Topping Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the streusel topping in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use. Just give it a quick fluff before sprinkling on the batter.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute works perfectly in the recipe.