Easy Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread (15 minutes)

If your bananas are starting to look like they belong in a retirement home, don’t toss them—bake them into the coziest loaf you’ve ever had. This Easy Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread is moist, sweet, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel that makes it feel like a hug straight from your oven. Whether you’re baking on a lazy Sunday or need a sweet snack for the week, this banana bread is your go-to comfort bake. Bonus: it smells like fall and happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread

This banana bread recipe checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and freezer-friendly. It’s packed with ripe banana flavor, has a soft, tender crumb, and that cinnamon-streusel topping? It’s the cherry on top (well, crumble on top). Plus, it’s simple enough to make in one bowl and fancy enough to gift.

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Ingredients for Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread

For the Bread:

• Egg – Provides structure and helps the bread hold together beautifully.
• Sugar – Classic white sugar gives the bread its perfectly sweet, balanced flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – Softened to room temp for easier mixing. (Salted works too—just skip the added salt.)
• Vanilla – Adds cozy, aromatic flavor.
• Buttermilk – Keeps the bread soft and adds a slight tang that balances the sweet.
• Overripe Bananas – The more speckled, the better. Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• All Purpose Flour – Our classic go-to flour for a perfect crumb.
• Salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
• Baking Soda + Baking Powder – Gives the loaf its lovely lift.
• Cinnamon – Adds warm spice that pairs perfectly with banana.

For the Crumble Topping:

• Powdered Sugar – Adds a soft sweetness to the topping.
• All Purpose Flour – Binds the crumble together.
• Melted Butter – Helps create that signature crunchy streusel texture.
• Cinnamon – For a warm, aromatic finish.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

(Exact measurements are listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

How to Make Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Add in the softened butter and beat until creamy. Mix in the mashed bananas and buttermilk.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
3. Combine: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix—you want that tender texture!
4. Prepare the Pan: Spray your loaf pan with non-stick spray. Transfer the batter into the pan, making sure to leave a 1–2 inch gap from the rim to prevent overflow.
5. Make the Crumble: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Use your hands to sprinkle and crumble the mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling. Slice, serve, and enjoy the warm banana-cinnamon bliss.

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Tips for Success

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter—it’ll make the bread tough.
• Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
• Let it cool fully before slicing to keep it from crumbling.
• Whip up two loaves and stash one in the freezer for an easy treat down the road.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer (or a whisk if you’re feeling strong!)
• Loaf pan (9×5 inch is ideal)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a slather of butter or cream cheese.
• Pair with a chai tea or cinnamon latte.
• Toast a slice and top with a drizzle of honey.
• Pack in lunchboxes or serve at brunch.

Variations To Try

This cinnamon crumble banana bread is a dream on its own, but it’s also a fabulous base for creative twists. Here are some of our favorite ways to make it your own:

• Nutty Banana Bread – Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor. Toast them first for an even richer taste. Use about 3/4 cup folded into the batter.
• Chocolate Chip Twist – For the chocolate lovers, toss in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Banana and chocolate are besties, after all.
• Yogurt Swap – No buttermilk? No problem. Use plain Greek yogurt or even sour cream for a rich, tangy substitution that keeps the loaf moist.
• Add Warmth – Try blending in nutmeg, ground clove, or a pinch of pumpkin spice to give your loaf an autumn-inspired twist.
• Caramel Banana Bread – Drizzle some caramel sauce into the batter or swirl it on top before baking for an indulgent twist.
• Loaded Banana Bread – Want to go all in? Add nuts, chocolate chips, and a handful of shredded coconut. Think of it as the banana bread version of kitchen sink cookies.
• Berry Boost – Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries or raspberries for a fruity pop. Handle with care—berries are fragile and can easily streak the batter if overmixed.
• Zucchini Sneak-In – Add 1/2 cup of shredded zucchini to boost moisture and sneak in some veggies. Great for picky eaters and adds a subtle texture.

Whatever variation you try, don’t forget the crumb topping—it takes every version over the top!

More Banana Bread You’ll Love

• Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread
• Banana Bread with Nuts and Raisins
• Gluten Free Banana Bread No Sugar
• Healthy Banana Oat Bread
• Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

FAQs about Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread

Final Thoughts

Homemade Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread is a sweet escape from the everyday. It’s one of those recipes that fills your home with the kind of warmth that says, “You’re doing great.” Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (you deserve it!), this loaf is guaranteed to bring smiles.

I’d love to hear how it turned out! If you made this Easy Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread, drop a comment below—did you tweak it? Add nuts? Maybe a swirl of Nutella? I read every single one!

And if banana bread is your jam, come hang out with me on Pinterest where I share loads of Banana Bread with Crunchy Streusel Topping recipes, Cinnamon Streusel Banana Bread ideas, and all things cozy baking. Happy baking, friend!

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