Banana Bread With Crumble Topping Recipe for Perfect Loaf

Few recipes evoke the comfort and warmth of home quite like banana bread. There’s something magical about the aroma of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and vanilla wafting through the kitchen as this classic loaf bakes.

But what if you could take your favorite banana bread to the next level? Enter: Banana Bread with Crumble Topping.

This recipe combines the moist, tender crumb of traditional banana bread with a sweet, buttery crumble topping that adds irresistible texture and flavor. Each slice is a delightful balance of soft, banana-rich bread and a crisp, golden topping.

Whether you’re looking to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, or you want to impress guests at brunch, this banana bread with crumble topping is the answer. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers, yet special enough for holiday gatherings or cozy weekend mornings.

Read on for the ultimate banana bread recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra Texture: The buttery crumble topping provides a delightful contrast to the soft banana bread base.
• Incredibly Moist: Thanks to the use of ripe bananas and a touch of yogurt or sour cream, this loaf stays tender for days.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here—just pantry staples you likely already have.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a satisfying snack.
• Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to make it your own.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s an easy way to sneak in some fruit!

Ingredients

Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large and medium mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry cutter or fork (for crumble)
• Parchment paper (optional, for lining pan)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Prepare the crumble topping:
   • In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
   • Add 3 tablespoons cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in nuts or oats if using. Set aside in the fridge while you make the batter.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
4. Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Mix in the yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract.
5. Add the bananas: Stir the mashed bananas into the wet ingredients until evenly distributed.
6. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
7. Fold in extras: If using, gently fold in nuts and/or chocolate chips.
8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
9. Add the crumble topping: Sprinkle the chilled crumble mixture evenly over the batter, pressing it down lightly so it adheres.
10. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but no wet batter).

    If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 40 minutes.

11. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
12. Serve and enjoy! Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or lightly toasted.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined for the most tender crumb.
• Banana ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Black-speckled bananas are ideal.
• Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), and non-dairy yogurt. For more vegan inspiration, check out these Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.
• Add-ins: Mix in up to 1 cup total of walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for extra warmth.
• Mini loaves or muffins: Divide the batter into greased muffin tins or mini loaf pans. Bake for 18-22 minutes for muffins.
• Gluten-free: Swap in your preferred 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

“This crumble topping works well on pumpkin bread, too! If you love cozy bakes, don’t miss our Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy.”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition will vary based on add-ins and substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast or Brunch: Pair a thick slice of banana bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries on the side for a balanced morning meal.
• On-the-Go Snack: Wrap individual slices and keep them in your bag for a quick, satisfying snack at work or school.
• Dessert: Warm up a slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an easy dessert.
• Lunchbox Treat: Pack a slice alongside a healthy salad, like our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
• Gift It: Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift at the holidays or as a thank-you gesture.

Conclusion

Baking banana bread with crumble topping is more than just a way to use up ripe bananas—it’s a delicious tradition that brings people together. The combination of moist, flavorful bread and sweet, crunchy topping is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Plus, this recipe is endlessly adaptable: make it vegan, add your favorite mix-ins, or try it as muffins or mini loaves.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe offers satisfying results with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and watch it disappear slice by slice!

For more comforting bakes and vegetarian meal ideas, you might also love our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or explore Best Vegetarian Recipes Without Tofu for Every Meal. Happy baking!

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