If you love the warm comfort of banana bread and the crumbly delight of coffee cake, then this Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. Perfectly moist and tender with ripe bananas, topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and finished off with a sweet vanilla glaze, this cake brings together the best of both worlds. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, it delivers a rich, homey flavor that feels like a big warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element, from the bananas to the streusel topping, is essential for achieving that perfect balance of moistness and crunch you’ll adore.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and moisture to the banana bread layer for that buttery softness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the batter rise evenly for a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and deepens the flavor of both the batter and the streusel topping.
- Large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and complements the banana flavor beautifully.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and moistness with a lovely banana aroma.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and extra moistness, making the crumb tender and soft.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the cake’s structure and works perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice for the streusel topping’s irresistible aroma.
- Cold unsalted butter (cubed): Incorporated into the streusel to create a crisp, crumbly topping.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to add a smooth, sweet finish.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake comes out cleanly and in one piece after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air into the batter, which helps create a soft, tender cake.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream until you have a creamy, luscious mixture ready to meet the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing here can make the cake tough, so stop when you still see a few streaks of flour.
Step 5: Pour and Smooth the Batter
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface for the streusel topping.
Step 6: Make and Add the Streusel Topping
Combine the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Evenly sprinkle this streusel over the batter to form a beautifully crumbly layer.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the banana bread coffee cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan—this makes glazing it much easier.
Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze generously over the cooled cake for a sweet, glossy finish that perfectly balances the cinnamon streusel and banana flavors.
How to Serve Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a scattering of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can elevate the presentation and add a welcoming crunch to your Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk for a comforting breakfast or snack. Fresh fruit like berries or a dollop of yogurt can offer a refreshing contrast and round out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve the cake in elegant squares atop decorative platters with small bowls of extra glaze or nut toppings on the side. Wrapping individual slices in parchment and tying with twine also makes for a charming gift option that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe covered at room temperature for up to two days to maintain its moistness and prevent the streusel from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes to revive the soft texture and melt the glaze slightly, bringing this delicious treat back to life.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they are sweeter and mash more easily, which enhances the flavor and moisture of the cake.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream to keep the cake moist while accommodating dietary needs.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips can introduce extra texture and flavor, making your Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe even more delightful.
How long will this cake stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, the cake stays fresh and tasty for about two days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Why is my streusel topping not crispy?
Make sure to use cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients properly. Also, baking the cake until the toothpick comes out clean ensures the topping crisps up as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert or a delicious breakfast treat, this Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together the best textures and flavors in a way that feels homemade and special every single time. Grab some ripe bananas and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Coffee Cake combines the moist, rich flavor of classic banana bread with a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this American-style coffee cake is easy to prepare and delivers comforting, delicious layers of banana and buttery streusel in every bite.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract, mashed ripe bananas, and sour cream or Greek yogurt until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, folding gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture without overmixing.
- Assemble the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly for uniform baking.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed unsalted butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture reaches a coarse crumb texture.
- Add Streusel Topping: Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over the batter, providing a sweet, crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set the texture and prevent the glaze from melting.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed for desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into squares and serve for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and moist texture.
- For added crunch and flavor, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle some into the streusel topping before baking.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
