This banana crumb coffee cake is super moist and topped with a delicious streusel that adds a sweet crunch. It’s perfect as a breakfast treat or a snack with your afternoon coffee!
I love how the bananas keep the cake extra fluffy, and that crumbly topping? It’s hard to resist sneaking bites before serving. Who can blame me, right? 😂
Whenever I bake this, my house smells amazing, and I can’t wait to share it. Just warm it up a bit, and it’s like a hug in a slice! Perfect for cozy mornings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: These bring moisture and natural sweetness to the cake. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can place unripe ones in a brown paper bag overnight to speed up the ripening. Alternatively, unsweetened applesauce can also work.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds richness and keeps the cake moist. If you don’t have either, a bit of milk or buttermilk can be a good substitute, but the texture might slightly differ.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the cake. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter could do the trick.
Brown Sugar: It adds depth to the flavor of the streusel. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can easily make a substitute by stirring a bit of molasses into granulated sugar or using coconut sugar.
How Do You Make the Perfect Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping is what makes this cake special, adding that nice crunch! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with cold butter, as this keeps the streusel crumbly. Let it sit out for a few minutes if it’s too hard.
- Mix the dry ingredients together first: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix; some larger pieces are great for texture.
Sprinkle this crumbly mixture over the batter before baking. It will turn golden brown and create a delicious topping that complements the moist cake beneath. Trust me, this makes the cake irresistible!
Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
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
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 40-50 minutes to bake, plus about 10 minutes to cool. The total time will be around 1 hour, making it a quick and delightful recipe for breakfast or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease a 9-inch square or round baking pan to keep the cake from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensure your cake rises beautifully.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This process adds air to your batter, which is key for a light cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and flavor infusion.
5. Combine Bananas and Sour Cream:
Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until everything is well-combined. The bananas not only add flavor but also moisture to keep your cake tender.
6. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
7. Pour and Spread Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula so it bakes uniformly.
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will create that delicious crunchy topping!
9. Add the Streusel:
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the banana batter, ensuring nice coverage for a delightful crunch in every bite.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in your preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and inviting.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
12. Enjoy!
Enjoy your moist banana crumb coffee cake alongside a comforting cup of coffee or tea. It’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly denser.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for about a week. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Yes! Feel free to mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips into the batter for added flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently after combining the dry and wet ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Ripe Bananas?
If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can quickly ripen them by placing them in a paper bag overnight. Alternatively, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado as a substitute to maintain moisture.
