Banana Bread Recipe with Streusel Topping

If you’ve ever craved a slice of warm, comforting banana bread but wanted to amp up the flavor, this banana bread recipe with streusel topping is your dream come true. The crumbly topping adds a sweet crunch that takes classic banana bread to the next level. I’m going on my fourth week straight making it—my family can’t get enough!
It’s a relatively simple batter, but the streusel delivers that “wow” factor at first bite. You can adapt this banana bread recipe streusel style to suit your taste by adding nuts, extra spice, or a swirl of caramel. Let’s jump right in!

Servings
1 loaf (approximately 8 slices)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
55-60 min
Serves
4–6 people
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Loaf pan (9x5 inches recommended)
- Oven, preheated to 350°F (175°C)
Ingredients
- Bread Batter:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup sugar (use a mix of brown and white sugar if you like)
- 1/3 cup melted butter (or oil for a lighter option)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your loaf pan or line with parchment.
Step 2: Make Batter
In a bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until combined. Then add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until just blended.
Step 3: Prepare Streusel
In a separate small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble
Pour the banana bread batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully lift it out onto a rack. Slice once it’s mostly cool to keep the streusel intact.
Tips & Variations
- Banana Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe Twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Extra Flavors: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or add a hint of nutmeg. This banana bread topping recipe is versatile!
- Chocolate Version: Stir some chocolate chips into your batter for a sweeter treat.
- Doubled Up: If you need more, simply double the ingredients to make two loaves at once.
Nutrition
- Per slice (1/8 of loaf): About 250 calories, 10g fat, 35g carbs, 3g protein (estimates only).
Diet & Allergen Info
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (results may vary).
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter with oil in both batter and streusel (ensure any sugar used is dairy-free).
- Nuts: As written, no nuts, but feel free to add them in streusel or batter.
Storage Suggestions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep tightly wrapped in the fridge for a week. Warm slices in the microwave or toaster oven before enjoying.
- Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently.
FAQ
How can I make this banana bread streusel recipe gluten-free?
A reliable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should do the trick. Adjust liquids as needed if the batter seems too thick.
Does the streusel stay crunchy after storing?
Mostly yes! It may soften slightly, but you can pop a slice in a toaster oven for a few minutes to revive the crisp texture.
Patricia J. Harris is a passionate recipe creator with a love for crafting delicious, easy-to-follow dishes. Her expertise in diverse cuisines brings bold, accessible flavors to home cooks. She loves experimenting with ingredients, blending tradition with creativity to make cooking easy and fun.