If you’re craving a comforting, moist treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is going to steal your heart. It’s not just any banana bread—imagine ripe bananas blended into a tender crumb and topped with a delightfully crunchy cinnamon streusel that adds the perfect balance of sweet spice and texture. Whether you need a cozy breakfast, a teatime snack, or a simple dessert, this recipe brings together everyday ingredients in a way that transforms them into pure magic. Trust me, once you make this Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe, it will become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is how uncomplicated but thoughtfully selected the ingredients are. Each one contributes uniquely to the flavor, moisture, or texture, making sure every bite is perfectly balanced.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the show, these lend natural sweetness and keep the bread moist and tender.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a soft crumb without overpowering the banana flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right—you can adjust to taste if you prefer it less or more sweet.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Binds the ingredients together while adding some lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little pinch of vanilla brings depth and enhances the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the bread its light, airy texture by helping it rise.
- A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and the comforting, classic bread feel.
- For the Cinnamon Streusel topping: A mix of butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon creates a crumbly, sweet, and spicy crust.
How to Make Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. Setting this up now means you’ll be ready to bake immediately after mixing your batter.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth with just a few lumps to keep texture. Stir in the melted butter, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and sugar. This combination creates a luscious base that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately prevents clumps and ensures a consistent rise in your banana bread.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gently fold the flour mixture into the banana mixture until just combined. The key here is not to overmix — a few flour streaks are okay. Overworking the batter can make the bread tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
For the streusel, mix together equal parts softened butter, brown sugar, and flour, along with ground cinnamon. Stir with your fingers or a fork until crumbly. This topping will bake into a crunchy, sweet, and slightly spicy crust that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon streusel on top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen by the end is pure heaven.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Allow your bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This resting time lets the structure set, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
How to Serve Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and makes the bread look extra inviting. For a more decadent treat, a smear of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey complements the cinnamon notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This banana bread stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk elevates the experience. Fresh fruit like berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can add a lovely contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch or special occasion, slice the bread thickly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt topped with nuts. You can even turn slices into a French toast batter for a delightful breakfast twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and fresh without becoming stale.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe later, slice it and freeze individual pieces in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm it in the oven when ready to eat.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked feel, warm your banana bread slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15–20 seconds. Adding a little butter to melt on top can make it even more indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great and are often sweeter and easier to mash. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for safe results.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter adds wonderful texture and flavor variations to your banana bread.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even blackened skin for maximum sweetness and moisture in your bread.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes, this batter works perfectly for muffins. Just reduce baking time to about 18-22 minutes and keep an eye out for a toothpick to come out clean.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is one of those delicious homemade treats you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Its perfect blend of tender banana goodness and sweet, crunchy streusel topping is pure comfort wrapped in every bite. So go ahead, try it out and watch how quickly it becomes a treasured staple in your baking repertoire.
Print
Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel is a moist, flavorful quick bread bursting with ripe banana goodness, enhanced by a sweet and crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe combines simple pantry ingredients to create an irresistible treat with a tender crumb and delightful texture.
Ingredients
Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Streusel
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until combined. Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the mixture, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel: In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon streusel mixture over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter; overmixing can make the bread tough.
- Check the bread at 60 minutes and adjust baking time as needed depending on your oven.
- The cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crunchy texture, but you can omit it if preferred.
- Store banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
