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Streusel-topped Banana Bread with chocolate + pecans

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This banana bread is, right now, my favorite take on the classic. It’s got chocolate.

It’s got pecans.

It’s scented with cinnamon.

And best of all, it’s got a big-crumbed brown sugar streusel topping.

Ripe Bananas, pecans, and an empty loaf pan

It’s the best of banana bread and coffee cake, which, well, makes for an excellent breakfast for someone with a sweet-tooth and works well for that afternoon snack or dessert. 

I’ve done all brown sugar versions of banana bread. 

I’ve made it with chocolate and without.

I’ve played around with alternative flours and different nuts.

And, really, I tend to like them all.

Chocolate and pecan banana bread batter in a mixing bowl with streusel topping in a separate bowl

But there’s something special about using a mix of white sugar and brown sugar, a generous splash of vanilla, a big handful of toasted pecans, chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.

And you’ve probably had banana bread with most of those things before.

But if you really want to gild the lily, your banana bread should be streusel-topped.

Streusel-topped Banana Bread with Chocolate and Pecans in a loaf pan

Those cinnamon-scented sugary crumbs make everything better. (Like they do in this Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Pecan Streusel.)

I doubt it will be the last banana bread you’ll make. But it will definitely be one you make again and again.

Streusel-topped Banana Bread on a cake stand, side view
Yield: 1 loaf

Streusel-topped Banana Bread

Streusel-topped banana bread with chocolate and pecans on a white cake stand

This banana bread has a mix of white and brown sugar, a generous amount of vanilla, a big handful of toasted pecans, chocolate chips (you can use chopped chocolate or chocolate chips—I like bittersweet or semisweet here, but you could even use milk chocolate if you like). Best of all, it is covered with a big-crumbed, brown sugar and cinnamon streusel topping, which makes it next-level good.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

For streusel topping

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For banana bread

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 very ripe bananas
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, bittersweet or semisweet

Instructions

Make the streusel topping

  1. In a small bowl, add the softened butter, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon and mix with your hands until it forms rough clumps. Set aside while you make the banana bread.

Make the banana bread

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray (or grease with butter).
  2. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to a large mixing bowl and whisk together until combined.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, add the bananas and mash with a fork until no large pieces remain. Add the melted butter, eggs, both sugars, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until no dry flour remains. Add the pecans and the chocolate and stir gently until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the top in big clumps until the top is well covered.
  5. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry, about 1 hour.
  6. Let cool, then gently invert to remove from pan. Serve. Will keep wrapped at room temperature, for about 5 days.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 260Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 197mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 2gSugar: 16gProtein: 4g

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Chef Markus Mueller

Saturday 27th of October 2018

I make banana bread at least once a week. Why have I never put streusal on it before! Such a good idea!

Mary

Sunday 4th of November 2018

Thanks, Markus!

Ben Myhre

Saturday 27th of October 2018

This looks like such a yummy treat! I love banana bread and if you can put some tasty streusel on top... PERFECT!

Mary

Sunday 4th of November 2018

Thanks, Ben!

Jere Cassidy

Saturday 27th of October 2018

I've made a lot of banana bread but have put a streusel topping on it, but now I will. I love using white and brown sugars together for flavor.

Mary

Sunday 4th of November 2018

You totally should!

Adrianne

Saturday 27th of October 2018

Yummo! I love the mix of white and brown sugars in the recipe, I haven't seen that done before. Can't wait to try this recipe. Cheers

Mary

Sunday 4th of November 2018

I think the blend gives a nice texture and depth of flavor.

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