There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of banana bread coffee cake fresh from the oven, and this Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe perfectly captures that cozy feeling. It marries the moist, tender crumb of classic banana bread with the sweet, crumbly topping of a traditional coffee cake, making it the ultimate treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re craving something to enjoy with your morning coffee or just want a homemade dessert that feels like a hug, this recipe delivers all the rich flavors and textures you love in one gorgeous cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this coffee cake irresistibly moist, fragrant, and delicious.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Softened butter adds richness and a tender crumb to the cake.
- Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup: Sweetens the batter and helps create a light texture.
- Large eggs, 2: At room temperature, they provide structure and moisture.
- Mature bananas, 1 cup mashed (2 to 3 bananas): The star ingredient for natural sweetness and moistness.
- Sour cream, 1/3 cup: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the flavor depth with warm aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The base that holds the cake together for a soft but sturdy crumb.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cake rise and gives a light texture.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Combined with nuts for the classic crumb topping’s rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/2 cup (optional): Adds crunch and a toasty nutty flavor to the topping.
How to Make Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan. This sets the stage for baking success and makes removing the cake a breeze. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they turn light and fluffy. This crucial step locks in air, helping to give your banana bread coffee cake a tender, elevated crumb.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth, rich batter packed with flavor and moisture, thanks to the ripe bananas and tangy sour cream that will keep the cake wonderfully soft.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix into Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as you want to preserve the tender texture of the cake rather than develop too much gluten.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Nut Topping
Mix the brown sugar and chopped nuts, if using, in a small bowl. This topping will give your coffee cake that signature crumbly, sweet crunch that pairs so well with the soft banana cake beneath. It’s the touch that takes this from a simple banana bread to a coffee cake masterpiece.
Step 5: Layer Batter and Topping, Then Bake
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and nut topping over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and topping to create beautiful, layered flavors and textures. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing so the topping sets beautifully.
How to Serve Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This banana bread coffee cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze. Fresh banana slices or a scattering of chopped nuts on top make it look as inviting as it tastes. A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of cream cheese frosting can add an extra layer of indulgence, perfect for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair this coffee cake with your favorite morning brew – whether that’s a bold cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or even a fragrant chai tea. It’s wonderful alongside fresh fruit like berries or citrus segments that add a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial breakfast, consider serving it with scrambled eggs or yogurt, balancing sweetness with protein.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the banana bread coffee cake into small squares and serving them on individual plates with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert twist. You could also layer slices between sandwich-style with cream cheese spread for a fun brunch option. Wrapping slices individually with parchment and tying with twine makes for a charming gift or takeaway treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover banana bread coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and the crumb topping crunchy. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating is fine but bring the slices back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen banana bread coffee cake stays fresh for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw the slices overnight in the fridge or reheat them gently in the microwave or oven.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked feeling, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15–20 seconds. If possible, briefly heat in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore a crisp topping and warm crumb. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great once thawed and mashed. They often are even sweeter, making them perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a runny batter.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream adds moistness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly, but if you don’t have it on hand, plain yogurt or crème fraîche can be a good substitute.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! The nuts in the topping are optional. Simply leave them out or swap in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if you want some crunch without nuts.
How ripe should the bananas be for the best flavor?
Choose bananas that are very ripe, with brown spots or even mostly brown skins. These are sweeter and softer, which helps create that moist, flavorful cake.
Can I make this into muffins instead of a cake?
Definitely! Divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake for about 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Muffins are a convenient and portable way to enjoy the flavors of the Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking something that tastes as delicious as it smells, and this Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe delivers that joy in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a leisurely breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert, this cake’s moist texture, rich banana flavor, and crumbly topping make it a beloved favorite to share with family and friends. Give it a try — I promise this recipe will become one of your go-to classics in no time!
Print
Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Coffee Cake combines the moist texture and rich flavor of classic banana bread with the crumbly sweetness of a coffee cake. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this tender cake features ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a nutty brown sugar topping that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 to 3 bananas)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even incorporation. Then add the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with chopped walnuts or pecans if using, creating a sweet and crunchy topping.
- Layer Batter and Topping: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and nut mixture over the batter. Then repeat with the remaining batter and top with the remaining brown sugar and nuts.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to help the slices hold together. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a simple glaze for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor intensity.
- This coffee cake can be enjoyed warm for a comforting treat or at room temperature for easier slicing.
- Optional glaze made with powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled on top for added sweetness.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or omitted for a nut-free version.
