This Banana Bread Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of two classic favorites—banana bread and coffee cake. It features a moist, tender banana-flavored cake topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack with coffee, this treat is guaranteed to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best of banana bread and coffee cake in one delicious dessert
- Moist, tender texture with a flavorful cinnamon streusel topping
- Great way to use up overripe bananas
- Simple ingredients with easy preparation
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Ripe bananas, mashed
- Sour cream
For the Streusel Topping:
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze (Optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- To make the streusel topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the warm coffee cake before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 9
Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Stir in chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent treat.
- Healthier Option: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
- Extra Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter and swap sour cream with dairy-free yogurt.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
How ripe should the bananas be?
Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal because they add natural sweetness and moisture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt or plain yogurt works well as a substitute.
Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Yes, but baking time will be longer—about 50-60 minutes.
What’s the best way to mash bananas?
Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until smooth with a few small lumps.
Do I have to use the streusel topping?
No, but it adds great texture and sweetness. You can skip it or use nuts instead.
How do I prevent the streusel from sinking?
Make sure the batter is thick enough and sprinkle the streusel evenly without pressing it down.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stays fresh for a few days and can be made in advance for events.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.
What can I serve with this coffee cake?
Enjoy it with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Conclusion
This Banana Bread Coffee Cake is the perfect combination of moist banana bread and crunchy streusel-topped coffee cake. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With easy variations and storage tips, this recipe is a must-try for banana lovers. Give it a go and enjoy a delicious homemade treat!
