If you’re looking for a delightful way to enjoy your ripe bananas, this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe is a must-try. Imagine the classic moist banana bread you love, enhanced with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coffee cake topping that adds just the right amount of texture and sweetness. With warm spices and a tender crumb, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Once you try this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create incredible depth in flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that adds moisture, to the cinnamon and brown sugar that give the topping its irresistible crunch and warmth.
- 3-4 medium or large bananas: The riper, the better for maximum natural sweetness and softness.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a rich molasses note that enhances the banana flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant sweetness that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice throughout the bread.
- 1/2 cup softened butter: Ensures a tender crumb and rich buttery taste.
- 1 cup sugar: Balances the banana’s natural sweetness with just enough sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it substance.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay light.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and extra moisture.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping): Intensifies the spiced crunch in the coffee cake layer.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping): Creates the crumbly texture of the coffee cake topping.
- 1 cup brown sugar (for topping): Contributes sweetness and deep caramel notes to the crumble.
- 6 tablespoons cold butter (for topping): Cut into the topping for that signature crumbly texture.
How to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven and greasing a loaf pan. Mash your bananas in a large bowl until smooth but still slightly chunky – that texture really shows through in the final bread. Soften the butter if you haven’t already, and gather all your dry ingredients to keep things organized.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy – this step is key for a tender crumb. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and sour cream to create a perfectly balanced wet mixture.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in another bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft and moist.
Step 4: Prepare the Coffee Cake Topping
Mix together the cinnamon, flour, and brown sugar for the topping in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping will bake to a golden, crunchy finish.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, then evenly sprinkle the coffee cake topping over it. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to enjoy that perfect contrast between tender bread and crisp topping.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze on top brings an elegant touch to this cozy bread. For a fresh burst, try serving a few slices with thinly sliced bananas or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts for added crunch.
Side Dishes
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread pairs beautifully with creamy coffee or a mug of rich hot chocolate, making it an ideal morning or afternoon treat. For a wholesome snack, enjoy it alongside Greek yogurt or fresh fruit for balance and added nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic loaf into a festive brunch feature by cutting it into squares and layering with whipped cream and berries for a banana bread trifle. Alternatively, slice thick pieces and toast them lightly, then spread with nut butter and honey to amp up the indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps retain the soft texture while the coffee cake topping remains crisp.
Freezing
To keep your Coffee Cake Banana Bread fresh longer, slice it and freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment and foil. Frozen slices can last up to 3 months, and you can toast or thaw them as needed for a quick snack.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave to revive the softness of the bread and the crunch of the topping. A quick 20-30 seconds in the microwave or a couple minutes in a low toaster oven works wonders without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas in this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they are sweeter and easier to mash, which makes the bread more flavorful and moist.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the bread’s texture nice and tender.
Can I substitute the butter for oil?
While butter adds richness and a tender crumb, you can use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for a slightly different texture. Keep in mind the coffee cake topping relies on cold butter to create crumbs, so don’t substitute that portion.
How do I know when the Coffee Cake Banana Bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your bread is done baking and ready to cool.
Can I double this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe for a larger batch?
You sure can! Just double all ingredients and consider baking in two loaf pans to ensure even cooking. Adjust baking time as needed, checking doneness regularly.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe is one of those comforting, feel-good bakes that can brighten any day. The delicious marriage of soft banana bread and a sweet, crumbly topping brings both texture and flavor that will make it your new favorite go-to. Give it a try soon—you might just fall in love with banana bread all over again!
Print
Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- 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, flavorful loaf topped with a cinnamon-sugar crumbly coffee cake topping. The combination of sweet, spiced banana bread and crunchy, buttery cinnamon crumble creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Banana Bread
- 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 butter, softened
- 1 cup 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 Topping
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons cold butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir to combine. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Fold in the mashed banana mixture and sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined—do not overmix.
- Prepare Coffee Cake Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers 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 topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden and crumbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your coffee cake banana bread warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and moisture.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang; you can choose either based on preference.
- Ensure the butter for the topping is cold to achieve a proper crumbly texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
