If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the delicious debate between banana bread and coffee cake, this Banana Bread Coffee Cake is here to joyfully end the argument! Marrying the moistness and rich banana flavor of classic banana bread with all the cinnamon-laced crumbly magic of a coffee cake streusel, this treat embodies pure comfort in every bite. It’s fuss-free, welcoming, and perfect for lazy mornings or sweet afternoon pick-me-ups. Whether you’re a longtime banana bread fan or on the hunt for a show-stopping brunch bake, get ready for this recipe to be the hero of your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of humble ingredients stand between you and a slice of cozy bliss! Each one brings its own personality, from sweetness and richness to that hint of warm spice and irresistible crunch. Here’s what you’ll need to make Banana Bread Coffee Cake the star of your table:
- Ripe bananas: The riper, the better—their natural sweetness and moistness are the secret to the cake’s tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds both flavor and moisture, making the cake incredibly soft.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth with hints of caramel and keeps the cake and streusel delightfully soft and chewy.
- Eggs: Two large eggs give structure, binding everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings out the warm, sweet notes throughout the cake and glaze.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of both the batter and the streusel, creating just-right texture.
- Baking soda: Lifts the cake for a beautiful soft rise.
- Salt: Just a touch heightens all the other flavors.
- Cinnamon: Woven into both the cake and the streusel, it adds cozy, aromatic warmth.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): This simple addition makes every slice feel a little extra special.
- Milk or cream (for glaze): A splash brings the glaze together into a smooth drizzle.
- Optional inclusions: Try walnuts or chocolate chips for added crunch or bursts of sweetness if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Make Banana Bread Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so you’ll be able to lift your Banana Bread Coffee Cake out with ease. This little bit of prep sets you up for baking success.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, thoroughly mash your ripe bananas until almost smooth—you want some speckles for texture! Add in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking everything together until the mixture looks beautifully glossy and golden. This is where the irresistible aroma begins.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Combining these first makes sure your leavening is evenly distributed, so every bite of the coffee cake bakes up light and tender.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stopping as soon as you no longer see dry flour will keep your Banana Bread Coffee Cake soft, not tough.
Step 5: Pour and Prepare the Streusel
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Next, make the irresistibly crumbly streusel: in a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in cold butter chunks with a fork or your fingers until you have coarse, buttery crumbs. Sprinkle this golden magic generously over the cake batter.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pop your pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The divine aroma will start tempting you, but the cake is ready when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for at least 15 to 20 minutes to set and make slicing a breeze.
Step 7: Glaze (Optional, but Heavenly!)
If you like a little extra sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar, a bit of milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle generously over the cooled cake. The glaze sets quickly, making your Banana Bread Coffee Cake as beautiful as it is tasty.
How to Serve Banana Bread Coffee Cake
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts can really dress up each slice. For a citrusy flair, add some lemon or orange zest on top of the glaze. The cake’s hearty crumb soaks up that touch of glaze or any toppings you love.
Side Dishes
Pair Banana Bread Coffee Cake with a creamy latte, fragrant tea, or even a refreshing mimosa for brunch magic. For a more decadent spread, serve with Greek yogurt and fresh berries alongside for a pop of color and contrast in flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into generous squares for cozy mornings, or slice into thin fingers for a pretty tea-time treat. Stack pieces on a cake stand for an inviting bakery feel, or serve warm straight from the pan for pure homey comfort. It’s even delightful layered into a breakfast parfait!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Bread Coffee Cake fresh by storing leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, pop it in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for about 4 to 5 days without drying out thanks to the bananas.
Freezing
Need to save some for a future treat? Cool the cake completely, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, and stash them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw portions in the fridge overnight and you’ll have instant coffee break treats on hand!
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds or place slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. If you’ve glazed the cake, add glaze just before serving to keep it looking and tasting its best.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the Banana Bread Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips are all wonderful additions—just fold up to a cup into the batter before baking for an extra dose of texture and flavor magic.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes. It’s perfect for gatherings or potlucks!
What’s the best way to mash bananas for this cake?
Use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash ripe bananas until smooth with a few small lumps. The riper they are, the more effortlessly they mash and the sweeter your cake will be.
Can I make this Banana Bread Coffee Cake dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the butter for your favorite nondairy alternative and use plant-based milk in the optional glaze. The cake will still be moist and wonderfully flavorful.
Should I refrigerate the cake if I glaze it?
If you’ve glazed the cake and the weather is especially warm, it’s best to refrigerate it to slow down any melting or absorption. Otherwise, it will stay fine at room temperature for a day or two.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough good things about this Banana Bread Coffee Cake—it’s the ultimate comfort bake that always impresses, yet comes together without a fuss. Make it for brunch, share it with friends, or sneak a slice for dessert; whatever the occasion, I hope it brings warmth and smiles to your kitchen!
Print
Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious blend of flavors with this Banana Bread Coffee Cake. A moist banana cake topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and optional glaze, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then pour batter into pan.
- Make the streusel by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
- Sprinkle streusel over the batter.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, then cool for 15–20 minutes.
- For glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; drizzle over cake.
Notes
- This cake is great for brunch or dessert.
- Add walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
