Banana Bread With Streusel Topping (Easy & Delicious)

If there’s one thing I’ve baked over and over again more times than I can count, it’s banana bread. Growing up, it was our go-to recipe anytime we had a few overripe bananas sitting on the counter. It’s cozy, comforting, and a great way to turn simple ingredients into something truly special.

These days, banana bread is still a favorite in my house, especially banana bread with streusel topping.

My kids request it constantly, and honestly, I never mind baking a loaf (or three…). We always have a stash of frozen bananas, and this easy banana bread recipe is the perfect way to use them up.

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There’s just something about the sweet banana flavor, moist banana bread texture, and that crumbly streusel topping that makes this loaf extra irresistible. My kids also love when I throw in a handful of walnuts and chocolate chips!

This easy banana bread recipe comes together in just a few simple steps with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The best part? The streusel topping takes it to the next level (my husband describes it as a banana bread and coffee cake hybrid).

Whether you’re a longtime banana bread lover or just looking for a fun twist on a classic, you’re going to love this one!

Best Bananas for Banana Bread

When it comes to banana bread, the riper the bananas, the better. I’m talking soft, spotty, and almost-too-gone bananas. You know, the kind you might normally toss in the compost?

That deep golden-brown skin means the inside is extra sweet and flavorful, which gives your banana bread that rich, classic taste.

You can use either fresh overripe bananas or frozen bananas for this recipe. Both work perfectly. If you’re like me and always have a stash of frozen bananas in your freezer, just let them thaw at room temperature, then drain off any extra liquid before mashing them. Don’t worry if they look a little mushy once thawed. That’s exactly what you want for banana bread!

Whether they’re fresh or frozen, just make sure your bananas are very overripe. It really makes all the difference in flavor and texture. Underripe bananas won’t bring that same natural sweetness or softness, and your loaf just won’t taste as good.

Trust me, this is one time when “almost too far gone” is exactly right!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread With Streusel Topping

• Super soft and moist banana bread every time.
• That sweet, buttery streusel topping.
• No fancy ingredients needed.
• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead banana bread.
• Delicious with or without add-ins (we like walnuts and chocolate chips).
• Kid-approved and perfect for sharing.
• Great way to use up ripe bananas.

How to Mash Bananas for Banana Bread

You want your bananas thoroughly mashed before adding them to the batter. No big chunks here!

Since we’re using a electric mixer for this recipe, you can toss the peeled bananas right into the mixing bowl and let the mixer do the work. It’s quick, easy, and gives you a smooth banana base.

If you prefer, you can also mash the bananas by hand using a sturdy fork. In fact, this is my kids’ favorite part of making banana bread. I just hand them the bananas and let them go wild! It’s a fun (and slightly messy) way to get them involved.

Just make sure the bananas are mashed until smooth, almost like baby food in texture. The more mashed, the better your banana bread will turn out!

Can You Freeze Banana Bread With Streusel Topping?

Yes, and it freezes beautifully! One of the reasons we love banana bread so much is because we can triple batch it and freeze the extras. It makes busy mornings or snack time so much easier, and the streusel topping holds up really well after freezing.

You can freeze the loaf whole or slice it up first for grab-and-go portions. We usually wrap the full loaf (or individual slices if you prefer) tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a large freezer bag. We use reusable freezer bags because they’re super handy if you like a more eco-friendly option. You can also wrap the loaf in aluminum foil after the plastic wrap.

To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm a slice in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven feel. So good!

What You’ll Need to Make This Banana Bread With Streusel Topping

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this banana bread, and chances are, you’ve already got most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make this moist, flavorful banana bread:

• Granulated sugar: this sweetener gives the bread its lovely, soft sweetness.
• Unsalted butter, softened: adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• Egg: helps bind everything together for a perfect texture.
• Vanilla extract: a little bit of vanilla goes a long way in boosting flavor.
• All-purpose flour: the base for the bread, giving it that great structure.
• Baking powder and baking soda: both help the bread rise and achieve that tender crumb.
• Salt: just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
• Overripe bananas: the star of the show! They add all that natural sweetness and moisture that makes banana bread so irresistible.
• Milk: any kind works (dairy or dairy-free), helping to bring the batter together.

The simple streusel topping gives your banana bread that irresistible crumbly finish. It’s just three ingredients, but it adds so much texture and sweetness!

• Brown sugar: for that rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: helps create that perfect crumbly texture.
• Melted butter: binds it all together and gives it that golden finish.

How to Make Banana Bread With Streusel Topping

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your pan

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat them together until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Stir in the dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and mashed bananas. Be careful not to overmix as it can make the bread tough. Just stir until everything is combined. 

Step 5: Transfer to the pan

Pour the banana mixture into the prepared, greased loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Make the streusel topping

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter for the streusel. Once it’s crumbly, sprinkle it generously over the top of the banana bread batter.

Step 7: Bake the banana bread

Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for about an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with only a few small moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool the bread

Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the bread from the pan and cool it completely on the rack until you’re ready to slice and serve.

Step 9: Store your banana bread

Cover and store banana bread at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Banana bread tastes best on day 2, after the flavors have had a chance to settle. See the post above for instructions on how to freeze your banana bread!

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @catchthecrumbsourdough on Instagram to show it off!