
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts creates a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll be a pro in no time!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy brunch, a coffee date, or a sweet treat after dinner, this Banana Bread Coffee Cake fits right in.
- Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with icing, or topped with fresh fruit. The possibilities are endless!
Introduction
Are you ready to embark on a delicious journey that combines the best of two worlds? Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar. Welcome to the delightful realm of Banana Bread Coffee Cake! This recipe is not just a cake; it’s a warm hug in dessert form. Perfectly moist, with a crumbly topping that adds a delightful crunch, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this scrumptious adventure!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (190g)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (55g)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120ml)
- 1/4 cup oil (60ml)
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (95g)
- 1/3 cup walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (115g)
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (75g)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp sugar
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
- 2-3 tbsp milk
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, sour cream, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- For the crumble topping, mix all topping ingredients in a separate bowl until crumbly and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon sugar filling ingredients and mix well.
- Pour about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling mixture on top, then cover with the remaining batter. Finally, add the crumble topping without flattening it.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan.
- For the icing, whisk the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk, adding more milk for a thinner consistency if desired. Drizzle over the cooled cake and slice!
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Banana Bread Coffee Cake, the options are as delightful as the cake itself! Here are a few fun ideas:
- Classic Slice: Serve a warm slice on a plate, drizzled with icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple yet elegant presentation.
- With Fresh Fruit: Top each slice with fresh banana slices or berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Ice Cream Delight: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a decadent dessert.
- Brunch Platter: Cut the cake into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter for a delightful brunch treat.
Storage and Shelf Life
Your Banana Bread Coffee Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For even longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature or pop in the microwave for a quick treat!
FAQs
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
- Can I substitute the sour cream? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute.
- Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Can I add chocolate chips? Yes! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to the batter.
- How can I make it less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your taste.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based yogurt and milk.
- What can I use instead of walnuts? You can omit them or replace them with pecans or almonds.
- Can I make this in a different pan size? Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will require less time, while a smaller pan will require more.
- How do I know when it’s done baking? Insert a toothpick or knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done!
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! It’s perfect for making ahead and storing for later enjoyment.

Banana Bread Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (190g)
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.75 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small)
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar (67g)
- 0.25 cup packed brown sugar (55g)
- 0.5 cup sour cream (120ml)
- 0.25 cup oil (60ml)
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 0.75 cup all-purpose flour (95g)
- 0.33 cup walnuts (optional)
- 0.5 cup melted butter (115g)
- 0.33 cup packed brown sugar (75g)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
- pinch salt
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp sugar
Icing
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar (60g)
- 2-3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch pan.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add the sugars, sour cream, oil, egg, and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- For the crumble topping, mix all topping ingredients until crumbly.
- Combine the cinnamon sugar filling ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pour about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the filling mixture on top, then cover with the remaining batter. Add the crumble topping without flattening it.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool.
- For the icing, whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk, adding more milk for a thinner consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cake and slice!