This banana crumb coffee cake is super moist and topped with a delicious streusel that adds a sweet crunch! It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat.
Honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one slice! I love serving it warm with a cup of coffee—it just feels cozy and comforting. And the smell while it bakes? Pure bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cake will be! Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor. If you’re short on bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce (1/2 cup) as a substitute.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and a nice tangy flavor. If you want a lighter alternative, try using Greek yogurt. In a pinch, you can use milk or a dairy-free yogurt instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you more control over the cake’s salt content. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter works well without affecting the taste much.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both are essential for that fluffy texture. If you’re out of baking soda, you can double the baking powder, though it may affect flavor slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Streusel Topping is Perfectly Crumbly?
Getting that perfect crumbly texture for your streusel can take practice but here are some tips:
- Use cold butter! It helps create those nice, crunchy clumps. Cube it and work quickly.
- Mix the ingredients just until they resemble coarse crumbs. Over mixing can lead to a pasty texture.
- If you want added flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts or oats for extra crunch!
Experiment with it and find what works best for you! This cake loves the streusel, so don’t be shy about making it just right!
Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for moistness)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 40-45 minutes baking time. After that, let it cool for a bit before slicing, making the total time about an hour or so—perfect for a cozy afternoon treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to keep the cake from sticking. It’s already sounding delicious, doesn’t it?
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! Set this bowl aside while you whip up the batter.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or whisk until it’s light and fluffy. This will give your cake a nice texture!
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Now, beat in the egg and the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is completely combined. The vanilla adds such nice flavor!
5. Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream:
Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream until the mixture is smooth. This is the key to keeping your cake moist and full of banana goodness!
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, gently folding or mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cake may become tough!
7. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then add the cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you get coarse crumbs. This topping will create a lovely crunch!
8. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the banana cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the streusel topping all over the batter, making sure it’s well-covered.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Pop it into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will fill your kitchen with warmth!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan before slicing. It’s best served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!
Dig into this moist banana crumb coffee cake topped with crunchy streusel—it’s sure to become a favorite! Enjoy!
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for this cake as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Look for bananas that are brown and spotted for the best flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a bit for fluffier results.
How Can I Make This Cake More Chocolatey?
If you’re a chocolate lover, consider folding in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the banana batter before pouring it into the pan. They’ll melt slightly and create delightful pockets of chocolate in every slice!