This moist banana crumb coffee cake is sure to win you over! With sweet bananas mixed in and a crunchy streusel topping, it’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat.
I love having this cake with my morning coffee—it’s like a warm hug in a slice! Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll be looking for excuses to bake it again and again! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The key to the flavor is using really ripe bananas. They add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. If you don’t have bananas, you could use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute, about 1 cup would work.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture and richness to the cake. Plain Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you want a healthier option. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly tangier.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness in baked goods. If you prefer a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter instead.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you want a gluten-free version, a gluten-free all-purpose blend can often substitute 1:1 without issue.
How Do I Get the Perfect Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping is what makes this cake special! The goal is to achieve that crumbly texture that provides a delightful crunch. Here’s how to master it:
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge—this keeps the crumbs from getting too oily.
- Mix until the butter is evenly distributed, but don’t over-mix it! You want pea-sized crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly to cover the batter. Don’t worry about making it perfect—those random clumps give great texture.
With these tips, your banana crumb coffee cake will turn out delicious every time. Happy baking!
Moist 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
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana crumb coffee cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for at least 15 minutes. So all in all, you’ll need about an hour and a half to enjoy this scrumptious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, making sure to beat well after each egg. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for that extra aroma.
5. Add the Bananas:
Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined. The ripe bananas are crucial for keeping the cake moist and providing natural sweetness.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, alternately add the dry flour mixture and sour cream (or yogurt) to the banana mixture. Start and finish with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
7. Add Milk:
Add the milk to the batter and mix until it’s all smooth and well incorporated. The milk adds just the right amount of moisture.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan.
9. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold, cubed butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
10. Assemble the Cake:
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter in the pan—this will give your cake a wonderful crunchy topping.
11. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This will help it set before slicing.
13. Enjoy!
Serve this moist banana crumb coffee cake warm or at room temperature, and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect pairing!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Cake?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe. They’re sweeter and will make your coffee cake even more flavorful. Just make sure they’re soft and have a lot of brown spots for the best results!
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for the Sour Cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream in this recipe! It will add moisture and a slight tang, keeping your cake deliciously moist.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover banana crumb coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your coffee cake. Just fold in about ½ cup of your choice into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
