This banana crumb coffee cake is a tasty treat perfect for breakfast or snack time. With soft banana flavor and a crunchy streusel topping, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Let’s face it, who can resist a slice of cake with a crunchy topping? I love enjoying this with my morning coffee—it’s like a little hug in every bite! ☕🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag. For a different twist, you can also use applesauce in a 1:1 ratio for a lighter cake.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and richness to the cake. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully too. Both options keep the cake tender and flavorful.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the cake. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with coconut oil or melted margarine for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar in the streusel adds caramel flavor. You can substitute it with white sugar and a bit of molasses for a similar flavor, or use coconut sugar for a less processed option.
How Do I Get the Perfect Streusel Topping?
Getting your streusel just right makes all the difference! It should be crumbly and buttery. Here’s how to perfect it:
- Use cold butter—this helps create that crumbly texture.
- Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix until you have pea-sized pieces. The goal is a combination of tiny and larger crumbs.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon; it adds a great warmth and flavor to your topping!
Remember, the streusel is the crowning glory of your cake, so take your time and make it delicious!
Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Coffee Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful coffee cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow some time for cooling before slicing. Overall, you can have this delicious treat ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease and flour an 8-inch square or round baking pan to make sure your cake comes out easily.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then set it aside. This helps ensure everything is mixed evenly before you add it to the wet ingredients!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat this mixture until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
5. Combine Bananas and Yogurt:
Now mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until everything is well combined. You’ll love how the sweet banana scent fills your kitchen!
6. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding it in gently with a spatula or spoon. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
7. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers. You want this to be crumbly, with small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
8. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the banana cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top. This will give your cake a delicious crunch!
9. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
10. Cool and Serve:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. Then slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature, great with coffee or tea!
Enjoy!
This easy banana crumb coffee cake is bound to be a favorite for breakfast or an afternoon snack—happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work great and will still provide that delicious banana flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Coffee Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well before freezing!
Can I Make This Cake Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt substitute or applesauce. It will still turn out delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Streusel Topping Stays Crunchy?
To keep your streusel topping crunchy, bake it until it’s golden brown and ensure it has a mix of larger and smaller crumb sizes. Storing the cake uncovered will also help maintain that crunchy texture!
