Banana Bread with Streusel Topping Recipe

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Ah, banana bread. That classic, comfy hug in the form of a loaf that somehow makes every coffee break feel like a snuggle under your fave blanket. But y’all, we’re not just talking about any banana bread here. Nah, we’re upping the game. We’re diving deep into the heart-warming, soul-patting world of Banana Bread with Streusel Topping. Yep, you heard that right. It’s like your beloved, cozy banana bread decided to dress up in its fanciest outfit, just for you.

How to make Banana Bread with Streusel Topping

Banana bread with streusel topping is a delicious variation of traditional banana bread. It starts with a classic banana bread batter, which typically includes ripe mashed bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda.

The streusel topping adds a crunchy and sweet layer to the bread. Streusel is made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, combined until crumbly. Some recipes may also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nuts for added flavor and texture. The streusel is sprinkled over the banana bread batter before baking, creating a crisp and caramelized topping once the bread is done.

This combination of moist banana bread and crunchy streusel makes for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of the day.

Ingredients:

For the Banana Bread:

• 3 ripe bananas (The more speckles, the better. That’s where the sweetness is at!)
• 1/3 cup melted butter (Make it rain, butter!)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt (Just a little bit)
• 3/4 cup sugar (Sweeten up your life)
• 1 large egg, beaten (Show that egg who’s boss)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Splash the good stuff)
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour (This is where the bulk’s at)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (Get that sweet, molasses goodness)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (Yep, more of the good stuff)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (Keep it chilly, folks)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (For that spicy kick)

Instructions:

Banana Bread Time:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (Or 175°C for my metric buds). Grease up a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Nothing sticking on our watch.
2. In a smashing bowl, mash those ripe bananas with a fork till they’re smooth. Pour in the melted butter and stir it up.
3. Mix in the baking soda and a pinch of salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, blend in the flour, just till it’s mixed. Don’t overdo it; keep it chill.
4. Pour this batter into your prepped loaf pan.

Streusel Topping Time:

1. In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter. Now, get your hands in there and mix till it’s all crumbly like a good streusel should be. Don’t be shy.
2. Sprinkle this crumbly goodness over the banana bread batter in the pan. We’re talking generous, folks.

Baking Time:

1. Slide that pan into the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Stick a tester or toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done. If not, give it a few more mins.
2. Take it out, let it cool a bit before slicing. Impatience leads to crumbly bread, and nobody wants that.

Tips:

• Overripe bananas are gold. The darker and specklier, the better.
• Don’t go crazy mixing the batter. Gentle is the game. Overmixing = tough bread.
• Let that bread cool before diving in. I know, I know, the wait is brutal, but it’s worth it.

What to serve with

Alrighty, got your Banana Bread with Streusel Topping all baked up and smelling like a dream? Now comes the fun part – figuring out what to pair it with! This ain’t just your regular ol’ banana bread, so let’s jazz things up a bit with some killer combos.

1. Coffee or Tea

• Coffee: A big ol’ mug of hot coffee and a slice of this banana bread is like, the perfect match. The bitter notes of the coffee balance out the sweetness. Iced coffee? Yep, that works great too, especially when it’s hot out.
• Tea: A cozy cup of tea, maybe some chai with its spicy kick or a calming herbal blend, can be just the thing. It’s like a warm hug, sittin’ and munchin’.

2. Ice Cream

Scoop up some vanilla ice cream right next to a warm slice of the banana bread. The cold creaminess with that warm, cinnamon-spiced streusel? Heaven.

3. Fresh Fruit

Think fresh berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries. They add a nice, tart contrast to the sweet, dense bread. Or go tropical with slices of mango or pineapple. It’s like a freshness overload.

4. Yogurt or Whipped Cream

A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream on top does wonders. It adds a nice, creamy texture and a bit of tang or sweetness.

5. Nut Butter

Spread some almond or peanut butter on a slice. That nutty flavor with the sweet banana bread? Killer combo. Plus, it adds a protein punch.

6. Honey or Maple Syrup

Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over your slice. It’s sticky, it’s sweet, and it kinda melds all the flavors together in this lush way.

7. Cheese

Might sound a tad out there, but a slice of sharp cheddar or cream cheese on warm banana bread? Don’t knock it till you try it. The creaminess and the sharp bite with the sweet bread? Yum.

Ingredients Substitutes

Switching up ingredients in your Banana Bread with Streusel Topping can be a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to accommodate dietary needs or just wanna play around with what you got in the pantry. Here are some swapsies you can try out:

For the Banana Bread:

• Bananas: Honestly, there’s no perfect sub for bananas in banana bread, but in a pinch, applesauce or mashed avocado can give you moisture and some of that needed bulk.
• Butter: For a dairy-free swap, go for coconut oil or any neutral oil like canola or vegetable. Gives you that moistness without the dairy.
• Sugar: If you’re lookin’ to cut down on refined sugar, pure maple syrup, honey, or even coconut sugar can do the trick. Just play with the ratios since they can be sweeter.
• Egg: No eggs? No problem. Whip up a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water) or use a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce to keep things together.
• Flour: Got gluten issues? Almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can sub in, though the texture might change a bit. You might need to tweak the amount to get it just right.
• Vanilla Extract: This one’s tough to replace because it’s so unique, but almond extract could give you an interesting twist. Just use less since it’s stronger.

For the Streusel Topping:

• Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or a mix of honey/maple syrup with regular sugar can create that moisture and stickiness, though it’ll change the flavor a tad.
• Flour: Again, almond flour or gluten-free flour blends can work here for a gluten-free option. The crumb might be different, so experiment.
• Butter: Dairy-free? Coconut oil (solid) or vegan butter can give you that crumbly texture you want in a good streusel.
• Cinnamon: No cinnamon? Nutmeg or allspice can give you that warm, spicy vibe, though they’ve got their own unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

You’re all set to whip up some heavenly Banana Bread with Streusel Topping. Break it out at your next brunch and watch everyone go bananas for it. Enjoy, folks!

More Bread Recipes:

• Samin Nosrat’s Ligurian Focaccia Recipe