Cinnamon Streusel Banana Bread

No sooner did we ring in the new year when everything I dislike about winter began arriving.  A snow blizzard, freezing rain, temperatures in the teens with wind chills in the single digits.  Oh, we're quite safe and warm in our apartment and grateful for it.  But we're already starting to feel the winter claustrophobia.  After a couple of inclement days, we finally ventured out with Hadley for some fresh air on Saturday.  But even with her thick fur and a doggie coat as well, it was too much for her.  The freezing slush and rock salt irritated her paws and she began yelping in distress.  We carried her home, washed her paws and tucked her into bed with us where all was finally well.

OK, then, we'll snuggle and watch a movie while tucked under the covers.  Not a bad way to spend a Saturday evening, actually, but this calls for some hot cocoa and a baked treat.  As it happens, that morning I found myself with two bananas that were past their prime.  Banana bread coming right up.  But maybe something a little more special was in order.  A crumb topping and lots and lots of cinnamon would go great with that cocoa.  And so it did.  Both the movie and the treat were a big hit.  Enjoy!











Ingredients
1 Egg
1 Cup sugar
1 Stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 Teaspoon vanilla
1/2 Cup buttermilk
2 Overripe bananas, mashed
2 Cups all purpose flour
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1 Teaspoon cinnamon

Crumb Topping:
1/2 Cup powdered sugar
1/2 Cup all purpose flour
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, egg and vanilla using a hand mixer.  Add the butter and beat until completely smooth and the butter is fully incorporated.  Beat in the buttermilk and bananas.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon.  Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet until all the flour is incorporated. Butter and flour a loaf pan (add parchment paper for easy removal) and pour in the batter.

Make the crumb topping by combining the powdered sugar, flour, cinnamon salt and melted butter.  Using your hands, crumble the mixture over the batter in the pan.  Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 45 - 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Makes approximately 10 servings.