chefallieskitchen

Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Loaf

There are banana breads—and then there’s this banana bread. My Brown Butter Banana Bread with a Cinnamon Streusel Topping is one of those cozy, family-favorite recipes that disappears the second it hits the counter. It’s not a lightened-up version… it’s a full-flavor, bakery-style banana bread that’s perfect for holidays, parties, brunch spreads, or just enjoying all year long.

It has that warm, buttery, coffee-cake vibe that makes you want to cut a slice the second it comes out of the oven. It’s incredibly simple to make, and your entire house will smell like a bakery while it bakes—my kids always come running the second they smell it!

Why This Banana Bread Is SO Good

Brown butter magic
Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that instantly upgrades classic banana bread into something rich and special.

Super-ripe bananas = intense flavor
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the loaf becomes.

Moist, tender crumb
A little sour cream or Greek yogurt gives this bread an ultra-moist texture without being dense.

Warm cinnamon-sugar streusel topping
The buttery cinnamon crumble bakes into a crisp, sweet layer that reminds me of a cozy coffee cake. It gives every slice the perfect crunch and warmth.

Kid-approved
Trust me—your kids will devour this! Mine ask for it constantly.

What You’ll Need

For the Banana Bread

Butter (browned for extra flavor), super ripe bananas, brown sugar, sour cream or Greek yogurt, eggs, vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

Butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

Simple, Foolproof Directions

You’ll brown your butter, mash your ripe bananas, whisk your wet ingredients together, fold in the dry ingredients, pour into a loaf pan, and top generously with the cinnamon streusel. Bake until golden, fragrant, and irresistible. It truly couldn’t be easier.

Every step is simple—even beginner bakers can nail this recipe.

What to Serve It With

This banana bread is amazing on its own, but here are some delicious ways to pair it:

• A warm cup of coffee or latte
• Vanilla bean ice cream (so good when the bread is warm!)
• A drizzle of salted caramel
• Fresh berries or mixed fruit
• Whipped cream or cool whip during the holidays
• A cozy chai or hot chocolate
• A scoop of yogurt for a sweet breakfast moment

It also makes the perfect addition to:

• Brunch boards
• Holiday breakfast tables
• Bake-sale spreads
• Back-to-school snacks
• Office potlucks
• Dessert trays

Print Recipe

Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Loaf

It has that warm, buttery, coffee-cake vibe that makes you want to cut a slice the second it comes out of the oven. It’s incredibly simple to make, and your entire house will smell like a bakery while it bakes—my kids always come running the second they smell it!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, lunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: banana bread, banana recipes, bananas, bread, bread recipe, breakfast, breakfast ideas, kid freindly, lunch, meal prep, snacks

Servings: 10 Slices

Equipment

• Oven
• Mixing bowl
• Loaf pan
• Small saucepan

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Salted butter
• 3/4 cup Brown sugar
• 4 small Bananas super ripe
• 2 Eggs room temperature
• 1 tsp Vanilla bean paste or 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 1/2 cups Flour
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt

Streusel Topping

• 3 TBSP Butter softened
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Flour
• 1 tsp Cinnamon

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Place the butter in a small saucepan on low and melt butter
• Keep the butter on a low heat, mixing while melting
• Let the butter turn a light brown color then turn the heat off
• Pour butter into the mixing bowl and let cool
• Add the brown sugar to the cooled off butter and mix very well
• In a separate bowl add the bananas, mash very well then add the butter and cooled off brown sugar mixture
• Add the eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Mix until combined.
• Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt
• Mix until combined, DO NOT OVER MIX
• Spray the loaf pan very well with cooking spray
• Pour the batter into the loaf pan
• In a small bowl, combine the streusel topping ingredients
• Mix until a crumble consistency
• Sprinkle on top of the batter in the loaf pan
• Place into the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes or until toothpick or cake tester comes out clean
• Remove from the oven and let sit in the pan for 15 minutes before removing
• Place on a wire rack and let cool more before slicing and enjoying