Banana Crumb Coffee Cake

Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. This moist and flavorful cake is packed with ripe bananas and topped with a sweet cinnamon crumble. The cinnamon sugar filling adds a delightful burst of flavor, while the optional glaze gives it an extra touch of sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or serving it at a family gathering, this banana coffee cake will be a hit every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is the ideal combination of tender, moist cake and a sweet, crunchy crumb topping. The bananas give the cake a rich, natural sweetness, while the cinnamon crumb topping adds a delightful texture and warmth. The cinnamon sugar filling offers a burst of flavor between the layers, and the optional icing can be drizzled on top for an extra indulgent touch. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

For the Crumble:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

For the Banana Cake:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup sour cream

• 1 egg

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 medium bananas (mashed)

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Icing (Optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1-2 tablespoons milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F and spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

2. Make the Crumble: In a small bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter. Mix until well combined, then refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In another small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

4. Make the Banana Cake: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, sour cream, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Mix until fully combined.

5. Add Dry Ingredients: Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Assemble the Cake:

   • Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.

   • Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the batter.

   • Top with the remaining batter and then sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top.

7. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8. Optional Icing: While the cake is cooling, mix the powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk to create a glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake.

9. Serve: Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch and flavor.

• Vegan Option: Use non-dairy butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free sour cream for a vegan version.

• Chocolate Drizzle: For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cake after the icing.

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar filling for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back its moistness.

FAQs

1. Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Overripe bananas are perfect for banana cake as they are naturally sweeter and more flavorful.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted for some or all of the all-purpose flour for a more wholesome version. The texture may be a little denser.

3. Can I skip the icing?

Absolutely! The cake is delicious on its own, and the icing is optional. If you prefer, you can just serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or enjoy it without any topping.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for a day or two. You can also freeze it and thaw it before serving.

5. Can I use other fruits in place of bananas?

While bananas are the star of this cake, you can experiment with other fruits like apples, berries, or even peaches, but the texture and flavor will vary.

6. Can I use a 9×9-inch pan instead of 8×8?

Yes, you can use a 9×9-inch pan. The cake may be slightly thinner, so adjust the baking time by a few minutes.

7. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

8. Can I use a hand mixer instead of mixing by hand?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer to mix the wet ingredients together, but be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added.

9. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

10. Can I add a streusel topping instead of the crumble?

Yes, you can replace the crumble with a classic streusel topping made from butter, sugar, and flour for an extra crispy topping.

Conclusion

Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of soft, moist banana cake and a cinnamon-sugar crumb topping is irresistible, and the optional glaze adds a sweet finishing touch. Whether served as a treat with your morning coffee or as a dessert after dinner, this cake will be a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy!

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