Streusel Topping Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Streusel Topping Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, adding layers of flavor and texture with a sweet cinnamon swirl and a crunchy streusel topping. This recipe takes classic banana bread to the next level, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious snack any time of the day.

Why This Recipe

1. Flavorful Twist: The addition of a cinnamon swirl and streusel topping elevates the flavor profile of traditional banana bread, adding warmth and sweetness.
2. Texture: The crunchy streusel topping contrasts beautifully with the moist and tender banana bread, creating a delightful textural experience.
3. Versatile: This banana bread is perfect on its own, but you can also customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to suit your taste preferences.
4. Great for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to share a delicious treat with friends and family, this banana bread is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Banana Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

How to Make This Recipe

1. Prepare Streusel Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.

2. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl:

• In another small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Prepare Banana Bread Batter:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Mix in the mashed bananas until incorporated.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Gently fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until evenly distributed.

4. Assemble and Bake:

• Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
• Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl layer.
• Use a knife to swirl the batter and cinnamon mixture together gently.
• Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the batter.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once cooled, slice the banana bread and serve. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use melted butter instead of softened butter in the banana bread batter?

• While softened butter is typically preferred for creaming with sugar, you can use melted butter if needed. Just make sure to mix it thoroughly with the sugar before adding other ingredients.

2. Can I freeze this banana bread?

• Yes, you can freeze this banana bread. Once cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

3. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

• Absolutely! Feel free to customize the banana bread by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to the batter before baking. Just fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the loaf pan.