This Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of sweet and cozy. With ripe bananas and a crunchy streusel topping, it’s a tasty treat for any time of the day!
Every bite feels like a warm hug, and it fills your kitchen with a delightful smell. I love enjoying a slice with my morning coffee—it makes my day feel extra special! ☕🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are a must! They add natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening in a brown paper bag or use applesauce as an alternative, though it will change the taste slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use margarine or a dairy-free substitute if needed. I prefer coconut oil for a unique taste!
Sour Cream/Yogurt: They both keep the cake moist. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt. For dairy-free, a plant-based yogurt works great, too.
Brown Sugar: It gives a nice depth of flavor in the streusel. You can replace it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses if you’re in a pinch, or just use all white sugar for a lighter topping.
How Do I Achieve the Best Texture in My Coffee Cake?
Getting the perfect texture for your coffee cake is key! Here’s what to focus on:
- **Cream Butter & Sugar:** Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air and creates a tender cake.
- **Don’t Overmix:** When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- **Temperature Matters:** Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- **Check Doneness:** Baking times can vary, so start checking around 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Following these tips will help you create a deliciously moist and fluffy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake every time!
Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana crumb coffee cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake, making a total time of about 1 hour to enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to ensure that your cake will rise evenly. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in Egg and Vanilla:
Add in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined, making sure not to leave any lumps.
5. Add the Bananas:
Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated. The riper the bananas, the better; they add that delicious flavor!
6. Mix in Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream:
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients you set aside earlier. Do this alternately with the sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix.
7. Spread in the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a smooth finish.
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Add Streusel to Cake:
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the banana batter. Don’t be shy with it; this topping adds a lovely crunch!
10. Bake the Coffee Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. After it has cooled, cut it into squares and enjoy with your favorite coffee or tea!
Enjoy this moist and flavorful banana coffee cake with a delicious crunchy streusel topping alongside your favorite coffee!
FAQ for Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw your frozen bananas in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours. Once thawed, drain any excess liquid and mash them before using in the recipe. Frozen bananas tend to be very soft and sweet, making them perfect for this cake!
How Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option. Each of these will keep the cake moist while maintaining a delicious taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftover coffee cake, place it 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. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before freezing!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to the Cake?
Yes! Feel free to mix in about ½ cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips into the batter for added flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently after mixing your wet and dry ingredients!
