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Cinnamon Streusel Banana Bread

Cinnamon Streusel Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of sweet, ripe bananas and a crunchy, cinnamon-infused topping that elevates a classic to new heights.

The Sweet Origins of Banana Bread

Banana bread has roots that stretch back to the Great Depression, when resourcefulness in the kitchen became a way of life. Overripe bananas, once destined for the compost heap, were transformed into a moist and comforting loaf. This humble creation quickly became a staple in American households, cherished for its simplicity and ability to bring families together over warm slices fresh from the oven.

Unique Ingredients and Flavor Harmony

What sets this version apart is the addition of a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, which brings a delightful crunch and a burst of warm spices. The use of brown sugar not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a rich, caramel-like depth, perfectly complementing the banana's natural flavor. Each bite is an embrace of moisture and spice, inviting you into a world where comfort food reigns supreme.

Cooking Techniques for Perfection

The magic truly happens when you toast the spices before adding them to the batter; it unlocks their full aromatic potential, transforming the loaf into a fragrant masterpiece. The technique of creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy is essential, as it incorporates air, resulting in a light and airy texture. This attention to detail is what makes every slice of Cinnamon Streusel Banana Bread a heavenly experience, inviting you to savor each moment.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Rest Time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 350  F
Servings: 8
Estimated Cost: 5
Calories: 240 kcal
Best Season: Fall
Description

This Cinnamon Streusel Banana Bread is a sweet, moist dessert that perfectly balances the flavors of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon, making it a comforting and satisfying treat any time of day.

Ingredients
    Cinnamon Streusel Banana Bread Ingredients
  • 3 ripe bananas (Make sure they're overripe for the best sweetness.)
  • 1/3 cup melted butter (Let it cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.)
  • 1 large egg (Room temperature for better mixing.)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.)
  • 1 cup sugar (Feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (Ensure it's fresh for rising.)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (Enhances sweetness.)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (Sifted for better texture.)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (Packed, for that caramel flavor in the streusel.)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (For the streusel topping.)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (Adjust to taste for extra warmth.)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional) (Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.)
Instructions
    Prepare Your Ingredients
  1. 1
    Gather Your EssentialsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all the ingredients: ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
    Using overripe bananas will give your bread the best sweetness and moisture.
    2. Make the Batter
  2. 2
    Mash the BananasIn a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this.
    Leave some small lumps for texture; it adds character to the bread!
  3. 3
    Combine Wet IngredientsAdd melted butter, sugar, and eggs to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
    Make sure the butter isn't too hot to avoid scrambling the eggs.
  4. 4
    Mix Dry IngredientsIn a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
    To enhance the cinnamon flavor, you can toast it lightly in a dry skillet before adding.
  5. 5
    Bring It All TogetherGradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
    Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and nobody wants that!
    6. Prepare the Streusel Topping
  6. 6
    Make the StreuselIn a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix with your fingers until crumbly.
    For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel.
    7. Assemble and Bake
  7. 7
    Pour and SprinklePour half of the banana bread batter into a greased loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture on top. Pour in the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the streusel.
    Use a knife to swirl the batter slightly for a marbled effect, but don’t mix too much!
  8. 8
    Bake to PerfectionBake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking.
    9. Cool and Serve
  9. 9
    Cool DownOnce baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
    This cooling step is crucial for a perfect texture. It will be tempting to slice it right away, but patience pays off!
  10. 10
    Slice and EnjoyOnce cooled, slice the banana bread and serve it as is or with a pat of butter for extra indulgence.
    This bread freezes wonderfully, so consider making an extra loaf to enjoy later!
Note
  • Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture; the darker the peel, the better.
  • For added depth, toast your nuts for a few minutes before folding them into the batter.
  • If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses.
  • The streusel topping can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days before baking.
  • Consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the batter for enhanced flavor.
  • If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with chocolate chips.
  • To test for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
  • For storage, keep the banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • This banana bread freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keywords: banana bread, streusel, cinnamon, baking, comfort food
Read it online: https://bestrecipesblog.com/recipe/cinnamon-streusel-banana-bread/