If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the moist, tender crumb of classic banana bread with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced coffee cake topping, it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will brighten your breakfast or snack time. The ripe bananas lend natural sweetness and moisture, while the crumb topping adds a delightful crunch that makes every bite special. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe brings cozy comfort straight from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, quality ingredients come together brilliantly in this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of moist banana bread and crumbly topping, making the preparation straightforward but incredibly rewarding.
- 3-4 medium or large bananas: The star of the show—ripe bananas bring sweetness and moisture that keep the bread tender.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like depth that enhances the banana flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm sweetness that complements the bananas beautifully.
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds comforting spice throughout the bread batter.
- 1/2 cup butter (softened): Contributes creaminess and richness, helping with the tender crumb.
- 1 cup sugar: Brings balanced sweetness without overpowering the natural banana taste.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and binding for a perfect loaf.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the bread’s sturdy yet tender foundation.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives that wonderful rise and light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang for depth.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: For that extra hint of spice in the crumb topping.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Used to craft the perfectly crumbly topping layer.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the crumble to golden perfection.
- 6 tablespoons cold butter: Cut into the topping to create that irresistible crumbly texture.
How to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bananas and Wet Ingredients
Start by mashing your ripe bananas until smooth—they should be beautifully fragrant and slightly chunky for texture. Then, mix in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This combination sets the warm, sweet base for your banana bread.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. This step is key for incorporating air into your batter, resulting in a lighter loaf. Once it’s pale and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, which will give your bread structure and flavor balance.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Components
Alternate adding your flour mixture and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Stir gently to keep the batter tender and moist without overmixing.
Step 5: Prepare the Coffee Cake Topping
Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it into the dry ingredients. The goal is chunky crumbs that will crisp up during baking.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the banana bread batter into a greased loaf pan and evenly sprinkle the crumbly coffee cake topping over the surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The topping will turn a gorgeous golden brown, creating that delightful crunch when cooled.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance without overwhelming its rustic charm. If you want to elevate the experience, a drizzle of honey or a smear of whipped butter on a warm slice creates pure bliss.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a heartier breakfast, serve it alongside creamy yogurt topped with fresh berries for a colorful and refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to surprise your guests? Slice the Coffee Cake Banana Bread and toast it lightly, then spread with nut butter and top with banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It turns a classic slice into a gourmet snack or brunch centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. Stored this way, it will stay fresh on the counter for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread whole or in slices. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. It will keep beautifully for up to three months, ready whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your banana bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20–30 seconds. That cozy warmth revives the flavors and softens the crumb, making every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are ideal because they’re softer and sweeter, which intensifies the banana flavor and helps keep the bread moist and tender.
Is sour cream necessary, or can I substitute it?
Sour cream adds moisture and a mild tang that balances the sweetness. You can substitute Greek yogurt or buttermilk if you prefer, and the bread will still turn out wonderfully moist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup, and be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The bread’s texture may vary slightly but will remain delicious.
How long does the topping stay crunchy?
The cinnamon-sugar crumb topping stays crunchy for about a day at room temperature. To maintain that crispness longer, store the bread uncovered or lightly covered, and consider toasting slices to refresh the topping.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make fantastic additions. Fold in about 1/2 cup to the batter before baking to add extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe is a comforting classic with a delightful twist that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for sharing—or savoring all by yourself. Give it a try, and enjoy the wonderful aroma and cozy warmth that fills your kitchen as it bakes. You won’t regret it!
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Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves (about 12 slices total)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, featuring ripe bananas blended into a moist, tender loaf topped with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coffee cake crumble. The perfect balance of sweet banana flavor and spiced cinnamon crumble makes it an irresistible treat ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Batter
- 3–4 medium or large ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
Coffee Cake Crumble Topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then incorporate the sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Combine Dry Ingredients for Batter. In another bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the mashed banana mixture ensuring an even consistency but avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Coffee Cake Crumble. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and cold butter cut into small pieces. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake. Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the coffee cake crumble topping generously over the batter. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and moisture.
- Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream to lighten the texture.
- Check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- The crumble topping can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This bread can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated up to a week.
- For added texture, consider folding in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
