Banana Bread with Crunchy Topping

Banana Bread with Crunchy Topping

A Banana Bread with a Crunchy Topping is a delicious twist on the classic recipe. The contrast between the soft, moist banana bread and a sweet, crunchy topping makes it extra special. Here’s a recipe with a streusel-like topping that adds a delightful crunch.

Ingredients for Banana Bread:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk

Ingredients for Crunch Topping:

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (65 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the banana bread:

• Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Combine wet and dry: Add the mashed bananas and milk to the butter mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
• Pour batter: Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.

3. Prepare the crunch topping:

• In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, chopped nuts (if using), flour, melted butter, and cinnamon until it forms a crumbly mixture.
• Sprinkle the topping evenly over the banana bread batter.

4. Bake:

• Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your banana bread with a perfectly crunchy topping!