This Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is moist and fluffy with a delightful banana flavor. The easy streusel topper adds a crunchy sweetness that makes every bite special!
Let’s face it, coffee cake is perfect for any time of day, especially with a cup of coffee! I love serving it warm and enjoying it with friends—it’s always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for flavor and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag. For substitutes, try applesauce (1/2 cup per banana) for a different fruit flavor or if you’re short on bananas.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best control over salt in your cake. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. They work well but may change the flavor slightly, which can be enjoyable!
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and tang. Plain yogurt or buttermilk can easily replace it. If you need a non-dairy option, use almond or soy yogurt for similar results.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend for similar results without altering the taste much.
How Do I Make Sure My Streusel Topping is Perfect?
The streusel topping is what makes this cake extra special! You want it crumbly and crunchy, so follow these tips:
- Mix the dry ingredients first—this helps distribute the sugar and spices evenly.
- Add melted butter gradually, stirring gently until crumbly. It should feel like wet sand—clumps are great!
- If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour; too dry? A splash more melted butter can help.
Feel free to add nuts or oats for extra texture if you like! Just keep an eye on it while baking—it can brown quickly.
Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Easy Streusel Topper
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Banana Crumb Coffee Cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for another 15 minutes before serving, bringing the total time to around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a cozy coffee break or brunch with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour an 8×8-inch square baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal later—either way works great!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly in the batter. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air to the mix for a fluffy cake!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
5. Combine Bananas and Sour Cream:
Next, mix in the mashed ripe bananas and sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps of bananas; they’ll add to the texture!
6. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture with a spatula. Mix just until combined; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake fluffy.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Now, pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. It should look nice and even, ready for the streusel!
8. Prepare Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the melted butter over this mixture and stir until it forms a crumbly texture. Enjoy the sweet smell of cinnamon!
9. Add the Streusel:
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter. This will create a delicious, crunchy top as it bakes!
10. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. After that, slice into squares and serve warm—enjoy your moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with that delightful streusel topping!
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Absolutely! You can use plain yogurt as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream. If you don’t have either, buttermilk can work too—just reduce the other liquids in your recipe slightly to maintain the texture.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may give a denser texture. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter result while still adding some whole grain goodness!
How Should I Store Leftover Coffee Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for a week, or freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing!
Can I Freeze This Coffee Cake?
Definitely! To freeze, wrap the cooled coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. It’s great for meal prep or unexpected guests!
