Easy Cinnamon Banana Crumb Bread with Crunchy Streusel Topping: The Ultimate One-Bowl Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with the most heavenly way to use up those perfectly ripe bananas: this easy cinnamon banana crumb bread! Featuring an unbelievably chewy and crunchy streusel topping, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. What makes it truly special is its one-bowl preparation, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you use an immersion blender or a traditional blender, achieving that perfectly smooth batter has never been simpler. It’s the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to fill your home with an aroma that’s as delightful as the bread itself.

Deliciously moist cinnamon banana crumb bread with a generous streusel topping, sliced on a wooden board.

There’s something undeniably comforting about baking, and when it comes to classic treats, banana bread holds a special place in many hearts. While I’m usually eager to jump on most food trends (rainbow bagels being a notable, quirky exception), my passion for banana bread has been a lifelong affair. When those cravings for a warm, fragrant loaf strike, it’s practically a culinary emergency! This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic, building on the beloved foundation of my other banana bread creations like my Rum Raisin Banana Bread or Pumpkin Banana Bread, but with the added allure of a decadent crumble topping that truly sets it apart.

The universal appeal of banana bread often peaks during times when we seek solace and simple pleasures. It’s the ultimate edible comfort, a warm hug in food form. Its relative ease of preparation, especially compared to more time-consuming carb-crazes like basic sourdough bread (which can demand 14-36 hours of dedication!), makes it a go-to for instant gratification. There’s no complex kneading, no long proofing times – just pure, straightforward baking joy. This recipe leans into that simplicity, delivering exceptional results without the fuss.

If you’re a long-time fan of my banana bread recipes, you know I have a deep love for this versatile treat. From childhood memories to innovative twists, banana bread is truly life! My site features a variety of versions, including my incredibly moist banana bread recipe and even a decadent Nutella Swirled Banana Bread. But this Cinnamon Banana Crumb Bread marks a special milestone – my first dedicated post to a banana bread topped with that glorious, buttery streusel. I’ve been perfecting this particular recipe for years, serving it as mini muffins at the restaurant, and it’s always been an absolute crowd-pleaser. I’ve personally lost count of how many I’ve devoured, but let’s just say “a gazillion” sounds about right!

The Irresistible Magic of the Streusel Topping

Ah, the streusel! It’s not just an topping; it’s a critical component that elevates this banana bread from great to absolutely extraordinary. That perfect balance of chewiness and crunch creates a textural symphony with every bite. The secret to achieving this divine texture lies in generosity – adding just enough crumb topping so that some of it sinks ever so slightly into the bread as it bakes. This creates a hidden, soft, cinnamon-sugar layer beneath a perfectly golden, crispy top. The contrast is simply to die for, providing a delightful surprise and an explosion of flavor and texture that makes this banana bread truly unforgettable.

Close-up of a slice of cinnamon banana crumb bread, showcasing the golden-brown streusel and moist interior.

Why This One-Bowl Recipe is a Game-Changer

Simplicity is key, and this recipe delivers it in spades. The “one-bowl” method is more than just a convenience; it’s a promise of less mess and a quicker path to deliciousness. By utilizing an immersion blender or a regular blender, you streamline the process significantly. This approach allows you to effortlessly mash the bananas, incorporate the wet ingredients, and then gently fold in the dry components, all in the same vessel. It reduces dirty dishes and simplifies the workflow, making this an ideal recipe for busy mornings or spontaneous baking sessions. The immersion blender, in particular, ensures a perfectly smooth banana base without the need for transferring ingredients between bowls.

Selecting the Perfect Bananas for Banana Bread

The success of any banana bread hinges on the ripeness of your bananas. Don’t be shy about using those spotty, brown, even nearly black bananas sitting on your counter! The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful it will be, and the easier it will be to mash into a smooth consistency. These overripe bananas develop more natural sugars and a more intense banana flavor, which translates directly into a more delicious and moist bread. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough but you’re craving banana bread now, you can speed up the process by baking them unpeeled on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until their skins turn black.

Tips for Perfect Streusel Every Time

Creating that ideal streusel topping is straightforward with a few key techniques. First, ensure your butter is cold and cubed. This is crucial for achieving that crumbly, distinct texture rather than a greasy paste. When combining the butter with flour and sugar, you can use your fingertips, a pastry blender, or even a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed. The goal is to work the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form, some large, some small. Don’t overmix; you want those distinct pieces of butter to remain, which will create pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a light, crispy, and chewy crumble.

Baking and Storage Recommendations

Achieving the perfect bake is essential for a moist interior. Always preheat your oven thoroughly. A good indicator that your banana bread is done is when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Overbaking can lead to a dry loaf. Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy and makes it easier to slice. Store your banana crumb bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slices can be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

Customize Your Crumb Bread: Delicious Variations

While this cinnamon banana crumb bread is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to the batter. A handful of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) can add a delightful richness. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans provide an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. A touch of grated nutmeg or a pinch of ground ginger can enhance the existing cinnamon spice profile. For an extra luxurious touch, consider a cream cheese glaze drizzled over the cooled loaf – just a simple mix of powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and a splash of milk or vanilla extract. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor this comforting treat to your personal preferences.

5 from
2 ratings

Banana Crumb Bread

by

Chef Lindsey

This easy banana crumb bread has a chewy, crunchy streusel topping and is the perfect way to use up those old bananas! It’s so easy that it is all made in one bowl with an immersion blender or it can all be made in the blender!

Prep:

20 minutes

Cook:

50 minutes

Total:

1 hour

10 minutes

Servings:

16
people

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Ingredients

Crumble:

▢

57
g

Butter

cold and cubed
▢

68
g

All purpose Flour
▢

46
g

Light brown sugar
▢

1
g

salt

Banana Bread Batter:

▢

215
g

All Purpose flour
▢

6
g

Baking soda
▢

2
g

salt
▢

6
g

cinnamon
▢

272
g

Bananas

very ripe (about 2 ½ large)
▢

100
g

Eggs
▢

215
g

Sugar
▢

80
g

Buttermilk
▢

138
g

Butter

melted

Instructions

Crumble:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine all ingredients for the crumble. Mix on low until the butter in completely incorporated. The dough should hold together in your hand when you squeeze it. If it does not, you can finish it by hand, squeezing until there are no more dry spots.
Alternatively you can make this all by hand: combine all ingredient in a bowl and rub the butter into the flour mixture until it holds together in one cohesive dough.
You can make this ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

For the Batter:

Preheat convection oven to 350°F. Spray 1-lb loaf pan with cooking spray or spread butter over the entire surface. Coat the inside of the pan with sugar by pouring a bit in the bottom and then tilting the pan so that it evenly coats all the sides.
In a bowl combine bananas, eggs, sugar, and buttermilk.. Immersion blend until smooth.
Quickly immersion blend flour, soda, cinnamon, salt and butter into the banana mixture until there are only a few remaining lumps. Be careful not to over mix batter.
Pour into prepared pan.
Crumble all the streusel on top of the loaf. Make sure you have some big crumbs and some smaller ones.
Bake about 50-60 minutes in preheated oven or until a cake tester or toothpick comes out with clinging crumbs.

Video

Nutrition

Course:
Breakfast

Cuisine:
American

Calories:
243

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A whole loaf of cinnamon banana crumb bread on a cooling rack, showing the beautiful golden streusel topping.

Essential Tools for Your Baking Success

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. For this simple and delicious banana crumb bread, a few key items will help you achieve perfect results every time. These are the tools I personally use and recommend:

The BEST kitchen scale: https://amzn.to/2xJVGzT
Clear Ingredient Bowls: https://amzn.to/34P3qwF
Winco Loaf Pan: https://amzn.to/3avABqm
Immersion Hand Blender: https://amzn.to/2RUxLEO

Concluding Thoughts: Bake, Share, and Enjoy!

This Easy Cinnamon Banana Crumb Bread with its perfect streusel topping is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warmth and comfort in your home. It’s incredibly forgiving, satisfyingly simple to make, and yields results that are consistently moist, flavorful, and utterly delightful. Whether it’s for a family breakfast, an afternoon treat with coffee, or a thoughtful gift for a friend, this banana bread is sure to bring smiles. So grab those ripe bananas, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a loaf that will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Happy baking!