Jump to Recipe Print RecipeA warm aroma wafts through my kitchen as I whisk together the ingredients for my latest baking adventure—ultra-moist Banana Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel. This sweet concoction is a delightful fusion of banana bread and coffee cake, crafted to enchant both you and your guests. With its rich brown butter base, a surprise swirl of cinnamon sugar, and a crunchy walnut streusel, this cake effortlessly lifts any brunch gathering or special occasion, like Mother’s Day, from ordinary to extraordinary. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it the perfect homemade treat even on a busy morning. Have you ever wondered how the simple combination of bananas and spices can transform your weekends? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite! Why Is Banana Coffee Cake So Irresistible? Simplicity at its Finest: This recipe is incredibly easy, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level. Mouthwatering Aroma: As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with a warm, inviting scent that will have everyone eagerly awaiting a slice. Cinnamon Sugar Surprise: The sweet swirl of cinnamon elevates the flavor profile, transforming ordinary bananas into a taste sensation. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy brunch or a special Mother’s Day gathering, this cake impresses with ease. Versatile and Adaptable: Feel free to swap in different nuts or spices to suit your taste, ensuring it’s perfect each time. Moist and Tender Texture: With its rich brown butter base and crunchy streusel topping, each bite is a delight, reminiscent of both banana bread and traditional coffee cake. Dive into this delightful recipe and experience the magic of homemade goodness, just like my Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches or Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls. Banana Coffee Cake Ingredients For the Crumble Topping • Flour – Provides structure; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. • Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; coconut sugar can be a substitute. • Chopped Walnuts – Offers crunch and richness; omit or replace with oats for a nut-free version. • Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; sea salt can be used as an alternative. • Unsalted Butter – Binds the crumble; use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer • Brown Sugar – Sweetens and adds flavor depth; granulated sugar can work as a replacement. • Ground Cinnamon – Provides warmth and spice; pumpkin pie spice can substitute. For the Banana Cake • Unsalted Butter – Ensures moisture; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative. • Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the cake; coconut sugar can be used for a different flavor. • Brown Sugar – Contributes a caramel note; maintain if using the same amount of coconut sugar. • Egg – Acts as a binder and adds moisture; use a flax egg for a vegan option. • Vanilla Extract – Imparts flavor; almond extract may also work as a substitute. • Mashed Ripe Banana – This is the key flavor and moisture source; replace with applesauce for a vegan alternative. • Sour Cream – Provides tang and moisture; substitute with full-fat yogurt or dairy-free yogurt. • All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure; a gluten-free blend can substitute well. • Baking Soda – Helps the cake rise; baking powder may be swapped but adjust the quantity. • Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness; sea salt is acceptable as an alternative. For the Glaze • Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness; use a sugar substitute for lower calories. • Pure Maple Syrup – Adds flavor and sweetness; honey can be an alternative. • Milk – To adjust the glaze consistency; use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Embrace the warmth and comfort of homemade Banana Coffee Cake, and let this delightful recipe bring joy to your kitchen! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Coffee Cake Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it’s warming, prepare an 8×8 metal baking pan by greasing it with unsalted butter and lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later. You should see a slight sheen on the butter, indicating it’s ready for the batter of your delicious Banana Coffee Cake. Step 2: Brown the Butter In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir occasionally until the butter turns a rich golden brown, about 5-7 minutes; you’ll notice a nutty aroma wafting from the pan. Once browned, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly while you gather the rest of your ingredients. Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and kosher salt. Pour in the slightly cooled browned butter and stir everything together until it resembles a coarse crumb mixture. Once well combined, place the topping in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cake batter. Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed. This mixture will be folded into your wet ingredients, ensuring balance in your Banana Coffee Cake batter. Set this aside as you mix up the wet ingredients. Step 5: Prepare the Wet Mixture In a large mixing bowl, blend the browned butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. Take a moment to admire the comforting aroma of the bananas and vanilla as they blend in, creating the perfect base for your cake. Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this will keep your Banana Coffee Cake tender and moist. You should see a few streaks of flour remaining, which is perfectly fine. Step 7: Layer Batter in the Pan Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring it reaches the corners. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter for a delightful flavor boost. Finally, dollop the remaining batter on top, gently smoothing it out to create an even layer. Step 8: Add the Crumble Topping Retrieve the chilled crumble topping from the refrigerator and evenly sprinkle it over the top of the batter. It should create a lovely texture contrast once baked, enhancing the decadent layers of your Banana Coffee Cake. Ensure no batter is visible to fully enjoy that crunchy topping. Step 9: Bake to Perfection Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with intoxicating aromas, inviting everyone to gather around as the Banana Coffee Cake transforms. Step 10: Cool and Glaze Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 45 minutes. After it has cooled slightly, prepare your glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake before cutting into delightful squares for serving. Make Ahead Options These Banana Coffee Cake make-ahead tips are perfect for busy home cooks! You can prepare the crumble topping and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance to ensure it stays fresh and crunchy. Additionally, you can mix the wet ingredients (brown butter, sugars, egg, vanilla, sour cream, and mashed banana) and refrigerate them up to 3 days before baking. Just allow them to come to room temperature before combining with the dry ingredients, to maintain that delicious moisture in the cake. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply layer the batter, sprinkle on the prepared topping, and bake as instructed. This way, you can serve a delightful dessert or brunch treat with minimal effort! What to Serve with Ultra-Moist Banana Coffee Cake When you’re planning a delightful spread, thinking about the perfect companions for this luscious cake will elevate your entire meal experience. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet coffee cake. Think juicy berries and zesty citrus for a palette of colors and flavors. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream brings an indulgent touch, balancing the moisture of the cake. It’s a classic pairing that feels luxurious and inviting. Hot Coffee: The bold flavors of a strong cup of coffee amplify the warm spices in the cake, creating an irresistible duo. This comforting combination is perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon treat. Chai Tea: For a caffeine alternative, a spiced chai tea offers a lovely warmth that intertwines beautifully with the cinnamon notes of the cake, enhancing its flavor profile and making each bite delightful. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream melts and seeps into the warm cake, offering a decadent twist. This pairing brings a fun, nostalgic dessert experience that everyone loves. Nutty Granola Parfait: Layered with yogurt, this crunchy granola adds texture while complementing the cake’s moistness. The toasted nuts and subtle sweetness create an exciting contrast. Caramel Drizzle: For added decadence, a light caramel drizzle over each slice can boost the flavor and provide a beautiful finishing touch. It brings an extra layer of sweetness that makes this treat hard to resist. Chocolate Milk: For a nostalgic sip, chilled chocolate milk pairs wonderfully with the banana flavors while reminding you of childhood delights—perfect for the young at heart. These suggested pairings not only enhance the experience of your banana coffee cake but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere for all your gatherings. Banana Coffee Cake Variations to Try Feel free to get creative and make this delightful Banana Coffee Cake your own with these fun variations! Nut-Free: Replace walnuts with oats for a crunchy topping that’s safe for nut allergies. Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in the crumble and vegan butter in the cake for an entirely dairy-free treat. Swap out sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt as well. Whole Wheat: For a healthier twist, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. Spicy Kick: Add a hint of cayenne or nutmeg to the batter for a surprising warmth that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the bananas. Chocolate Lovers: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips right before baking for a decadent twist that adds a rich chocolate flavor to each luscious bite. Coconut Delight: Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter and sprinkle on top before baking, creating a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with bananas. Additional Fruits: Toss in some blueberries or chopped apples for an unexpected burst of flavor and texture alongside the bananas. Sugar Swaps: Experiment with different sugars such as coconut or brown sugar for varying sweetness and richness, and even try honey or maple syrup in the batter for a unique flavor profile. Don’t forget to explore more of my beloved recipes like the tempting Fried Strawberry Cheesecake or the delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls to keep your baking adventures lively! How to Store and Freeze Banana Coffee Cake Room Temperature: Store your banana coffee cake wrapped in parchment and plastic for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. Fridge: If you prefer it chilled, refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the banana coffee cake for up to 3 months. Slice it before freezing for grab-and-go convenience. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until heated through. Expert Tips for Banana Coffee Cake Use Ripe Bananas: For maximum sweetness and flavor, ensure your bananas are well-ripened with brown spots. They create the best texture in your cake. Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake instead of the light, fluffy texture we all love in Banana Coffee Cake. Chill the Crumble: Keep your crumble topping in the refrigerator before adding it on top of the batter. Chilling helps to create that delicious crunchy texture when baked. Check Doneness: Always test your cake a few minutes before the full baking time. Ovens can vary, and you want that perfect, moist center. Allow Cooling Time: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 45 minutes before glazing. This will help it set properly and makes slicing easier without crumbling. Explore Variations: Feel free to play with flavors by adding chocolate chips or experimenting with spices. The versatility of this Banana Coffee Cake allows you to make it uniquely yours! Banana Coffee Cake Recipe FAQs How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough for the cake? Absolutely! Look for bananas that are mostly yellow with a few brown spots. This ripeness level ensures they are sweet and moist, providing the best flavor for your Banana Coffee Cake. The more brown spots, the sweeter your cake will be! What is the best way to store leftover Banana Coffee Cake? You can wrap your Banana Coffee Cake in parchment paper and plastic wrap to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a chilled option, store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week—just make sure it’s well covered to prevent it from drying out! Can I freeze Banana Coffee Cake? How should I do it? Yes, you can freeze it! For best results, slice the Banana Coffee Cake before freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This helps keep them fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Is there a nut-free option for the banana coffee cake? Very much so! You can simply omit the walnuts or replace them with oats or seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds. This way, you’ll still maintain a lovely texture while making it accessible for those with nut allergies! What should I do if my cake is dense instead of light and moist? If your Banana Coffee Cake ends up dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using unripe bananas. To prevent this next time, mix until just combined and always opt for well-ripened bananas that are soft and speckled. Remember to weigh your flour for accuracy as well! Can pets eat Banana Coffee Cake? It’s important to keep in mind that Banana Coffee Cake isn’t suitable for pets. Ingredients like sugar, butter, and chocolate (if added) can be harmful to dogs and other pets. Always give your furry friends plain ripe bananas in moderation instead! Irresistibly Moist Banana Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Bliss This Banana Coffee Cake combines the best of banana bread and coffee cake, perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 45 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins Servings: 9 slicesCourse: CakesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crumble Topping1 cup Flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.1/2 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar can be a substitute.1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts Omit or replace with oats for a nut-free version.1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt Sea salt can be used as an alternative.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer1/4 cup Brown Sugar Granulated sugar can work as a replacement.1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon Pumpkin pie spice can substitute.For the Banana Cake1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Coconut sugar can be used for a different flavor.1/4 cup Brown Sugar Maintain if using the same amount of coconut sugar.1 large Egg Use a flax egg for a vegan option.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Almond extract may also work as a substitute.2 none Mashed Ripe Banana Replace with applesauce for a vegan alternative.1/2 cup Sour Cream Substitute with full-fat yogurt or dairy-free yogurt.1 cup All-Purpose Flour A gluten-free blend can substitute well.1 teaspoon Baking Soda Baking powder may be swapped but adjust the quantity.1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt Sea salt is acceptable as an alternative.For the Glaze1 cup Powdered Sugar Use a sugar substitute for lower calories.2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup Honey can be an alternative.2 tablespoons Milk Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Equipment medium saucepanMixing bowlsSpatula8x8 metal baking pan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare an 8x8 metal baking pan by greasing it with unsalted butter and lining it with parchment paper.In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.Combine flour, brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl. Add browned butter and mix until crumbly.Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.Blend browned butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed bananas until smooth.Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined, leaving streaks of flour.Spread half of the batter in the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar over it, then dollop the remaining batter on top.Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping evenly over the batter.Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 45 minutes.Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk for the glaze, then drizzle over the cooled cake. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesUse ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. Don't overmix to maintain a light texture. Chill the crumble topping for best results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
