This Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is soft and fluffy, packed with ripe bananas, and topped with a crunchy streusel. Perfect for breakfast or a snack with coffee!
You can’t go wrong with banana and buttery crumbs! I often find myself sneaking an extra piece when no one is looking. Who can resist that delicious topping? 😄
Baking this cake is a breeze—just mix, pour, and sprinkle on the crumb topping. It’s my go-to for a cozy morning treat that everyone loves!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! They should be brown and soft for maximum flavor. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag for a day or so.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt levels. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using coconut oil or a dairy-free butter replacement instead.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and richness to the cake. If you’re out of sour cream or yogurt, plain applesauce or even buttermilk can be convenient substitutes.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar brings a deeper flavor, but white sugar can work too. If you want a sugar substitute, try coconut sugar for a similar taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crumb Topping?
The streusel topping is key to this coffee cake! To achieve that wonderful crumbly texture, cold butter is essential. Here’s how to make it perfectly:
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add in the cold butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you see coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix—small butter pieces create flakiness!
- Even sprinkle: Make sure to evenly distribute the topping over the batter before baking to ensure a crunchy layer.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious banana coffee cake that will impress everyone. Enjoy your baking!
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 (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious coffee cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-50 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. In total, expect to spend approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s a wonderful treat that’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square or round baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents. Set aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that sweet aromatic flavor.
5. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Add the mashed bananas, sour cream (or yogurt), and milk to the butter mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
6. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
7. Pour the Batter into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure it fills all corners of the pan.
8. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, add in the cold butter pieces, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Add the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the banana batter in the pan.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
11. Cool the Cake:
Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, cut into squares or wedges and serve. This cake is delightful warm or at room temperature, especially paired with a nice cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy!
With its moist texture and crunchy topping, this Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Flour?
Yes! If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for proper structure.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt works perfectly as a substitute. For a different flavor twist, you can also use buttermilk or applesauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! If you want to add some crunch or sweetness, you can fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
These tips will help ensure your baking adventure yields delicious results! Enjoy your baking! 🍌🍰
