When the sun filters softly through the kitchen window and the clock edges toward mid-morning, that familiar urge to snack pulls me toward the oven. This banana bread coffee cake, with its tender crumb and cozy cinnamon topping, always answers the call. I usually get a little distracted by the smell—the sweet banana mingling with warm spices—and sometimes I even forget to set a timer right away, lost in the anticipation of that first bite.
The texture is just right here: moist but not heavy, with a crumb that feels like it’s been made with care, somewhere between a quick bread and a cake. The streusel topping adds a little crunch and spice, which makes each forkful sing. I’ve shared this with friends on lazy weekends, and it’s that kind of thing that invites conversation and slow smiles, not just quick snacking.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a comforting mix of banana bread and coffee cake, combining the best of both worlds.
- The cinnamon streusel topping offers a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor.
- Simple enough to whip up on a sleepy morning, though it does take almost an hour to bake.
- While it’s sweet and flavorful, it’s not overly sugary — perfect with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients, just something feel-good to enjoy.
Even if you’re not usually a banana bread fan, this coffee cake twist might just win you over. It’s a little less dense, a little more cake-like, but still packed with that familiar banana flavor that’s hard to resist.
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Banana Bread Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
A moist and flavorful banana bread coffee cake with a cinnamon streusel topping, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
For the streusel topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add the mashed bananas, sour cream, and milk to the butter mixture and stir until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
To make the streusel topping, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter pieces with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Kitchen Notes
This recipe doesn’t demand special equipment—just a sturdy baking pan and a mixer or a strong arm for mixing. I like to serve it warm, fresh out of the oven, but it’s also great at room temperature the next day. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped nuts to the streusel or a handful of chocolate chips to the batter—though I haven’t tested those myself, so it might change the baking time a bit. Another fun twist could be swapping the sour cream for Greek yogurt to add a slight tang.
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free? You might swap sour cream and butter for plant-based versions, but the texture could be a little different.
How do I store leftovers? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze tightly wrapped for longer storage.
Is the cinnamon topping optional? Definitely, but it really elevates the flavor and adds a lovely crunch.
Ready to bring a little warmth to your kitchen? Save this recipe, print it out for easy access, and try it the next time you want a slice of something cozy and satisfying.