This Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is a real treat! It’s soft and fluffy, packed with ripe bananas, and topped with a sweet crumbly streusel. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
If you’re like me and can’t resist a crumb topping, this cake will make you smile. I love enjoying a warm slice with my morning coffee. Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Look for bananas that are very ripe, with brown spots. They’ll provide the best flavor and sweetness! You can also use store-bought banana puree if you’re in a pinch.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture to the cake. If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free yogurt or even unsweetened applesauce as a substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the salt in the recipe. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative works well too.
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely caramel flavor to the streusel. If you don’t have any, you can use granulated sugar with a bit of molasses to mimic the taste.
Why is Mixing Important for This Cake?
Mixing plays a crucial role in creating the right texture for your banana crumb coffee cake. You want to incorporate the ingredients well without overdoing it, which can make the cake tough.
- When creaming the butter and sugar, beat until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air, making the cake soft.
- Mix in eggs one at a time to ensure they blend smoothly.
- For the dry ingredients, fold them in gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing can ruin the fluffy texture!
Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cake requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking time, followed by a quick cooling period of about 10-15 minutes. In just under an hour, you’ll have a delightful treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square or round baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help ensure even distribution of the baking powder and soda. Set aside for later use.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step is important for creating a nice texture in your cake!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor to the batter.
5. Combine Bananas and Sour Cream:
Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until everything is just combined. This adds moisture and great banana flavor!
6. Fold in Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps; overmixing can result in a dense cake.
7. Prepare the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers for this step.
9. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter in the pan. This will create a delightful crunch on top!
10. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool and Serve:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy this delicious banana crumb coffee cake with your favorite coffee!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Just ensure that it contains xanthan gum for better texture. The cake’s flavor may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No problem! You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or even buttermilk. If you use plain yogurt, opt for a higher-fat version for additional moisture.
Can I Freeze Leftover Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! Once the cake has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the oven.
How Can I Make This Cake Less Sweet?
If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, you can cut down the sugar by about 1/4 cup. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, but it will still be tasty, especially with the natural sweetness from the bananas!
