If you adore the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and crave the crumbly delight of a streusel topping, then this Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Blending the moist, dense texture of banana bread with the sweet, buttery crunch of a classic coffee cake, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s an irresistible treat whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, and it’s guaranteed to bring cozy smiles around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together in this recipe to create a wonderfully flavorful and textured Banana Bread Coffee Cake. Each element plays a role from the natural sweetness of bananas to the spice of cinnamon, making it an easy yet impressive treat.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient that provides moisture, natural sweetness, and that classic banana flavor.
- 1/3 cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps keep the cake tender.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and lightens the texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings depth of flavor and a hint of caramel.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds stability to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and sweetness naturally.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and keeps it fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and prevents the cake from being too sweet.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and an ideal crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, inviting spice that complements bananas perfectly.
- For the streusel topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup cold butter (cubed) — this combination creates the irresistible crumbly, buttery crunch.
- For the optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract — a simple sweet drizzle to finish your cake beautifully.
How to Make Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, generously grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure your coffee cake comes out cleanly and maintains its perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your mashed ripe bananas with the melted butter, stirring until the mixture is smooth and luscious. This step infuses the batter with moisture and butteriness, setting a wonderful foundation for flavor.
Step 3: Add Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla
Now, blend in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. These ingredients enrich the batter with sweetness, structure, and that warm aroma you love in any baked good.
Step 4: Incorporate the Leavening and Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, mixing carefully to avoid overworking the batter. Then fold in the flour and cinnamon, stirring just until everything comes together – you want your batter tender and not tough.
Step 5: Spread Batter and Prepare Streusel Topping
Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared baking dish and smooth the surface. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks crumbly, like tiny pebbles ready to sprinkle.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the banana batter and slide the pan into your oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will start filling your home with cozy warmth.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the coffee cake cool slightly once out of the oven. If you want to add a sweet finishing touch, mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract to make a glaze, then drizzle it over the top for the ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh banana slices or a dusting of powdered sugar elevate the presentation and add a bit of freshness and extra sweetness. A sprinkle of chopped nuts on top of the glaze will also add inviting crunch and texture.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a creamy latte. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside Greek yogurt or a bowl of fresh berries to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. You can also cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve as a charming finger food at brunch or parties. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper makes it an excellent grab-and-go snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days, but let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
This Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for busy days when you want a quick homemade treat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until heated through. If you like your topping crispier, reheating in a toaster oven will restore that delightful streusel crunch better than the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use bananas that are not very ripe for this recipe?
Very ripe bananas are essential for the best flavor and sweetness in this Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe. Less ripe bananas can make the cake less sweet and affect the moist texture.
Is it possible to add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping or folding them into the batter before baking adds a wonderful nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the banana and cinnamon flavors.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
You can easily double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, which might need to be increased slightly, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
What’s the best way to prevent the coffee cake from drying out?
Using ripe bananas adds natural moisture. Also, avoid overbaking by removing the cake as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. Storing leftovers properly helps maintain moistness, too.
Is the optional glaze necessary?
The glaze is optional but highly recommended if you love a sweet, shiny finish. It adds an extra layer of flavor and a pleasing look but the coffee cake is delicious even without it.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe is a wonderful celebration of comfort food and simple pleasures. With its moist banana base, warmly spiced batter, and irresistible streusel topping, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home too. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, this cake invites you to slow down, savor the flavors, and share a little sweetness with those you love. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!
Print
Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Coffee Cake combines the moist, fruity flavors of ripe bananas with a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping. Finished with an optional sweet vanilla glaze, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy to make and full of comforting flavors, it’s an American classic that brings the best of banana bread and coffee cake together in one delightful dish.
Ingredients
Batter
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas with the melted butter until smooth and well blended.
- Add sugars and egg: Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, the egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture, stirring gently to combine. Then fold in the all-purpose flour and ground cinnamon just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare the batter in pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Make streusel topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Top the batter: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly streusel topping over the banana batter in the pan.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the coffee cake to cool slightly in the pan. If desired, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over the cake before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, use very ripe bananas that are spotted or mostly brown.
- The recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch pan for a larger crowd or thicker cake.
- For extra texture and crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping mixture before baking.
