This moist banana crumb coffee cake is a dream for any banana lover! The sweet banana flavor, mixed with a crunchy streusel topping, makes it simply irresistible.
Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. I love enjoying it with a warm cup of coffee while flipping through a good book—pure happiness! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main structure of the cake. If you need gluten-free options, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve also had success using whole wheat flour, which adds a bit of nuttiness!
Bananas: Ripe bananas bring the best flavor. The browner, the better! If you don’t have ripe ones, place them in a paper bag for a day or two or use unsweetened applesauce for a different twist.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: These add moisture and tang. You can easily substitute with buttermilk, or even a plant-based yogurt if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. I find that Greek yogurt makes the cake extra rich!
Brown Sugar: Offers a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can mix white sugar with a little molasses to create a brown sugar alternative.
How Do You Cream Butter and Sugar Effectively?
Creaming butter and sugar is a crucial step that adds air to the batter, giving a fluffy texture. Start with softened butter; it should be slightly cold yet pliable. Here’s how:
- In a bowl, add softened butter and granulated sugar.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
- Stop and scrape down the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Achieving a light texture here makes a big difference in your cake’s final result. Trust me; it’s worth the effort!
What’s the Best Way to Make a Perfect Streusel Topping?
Making streusel topping is simple, but you want that perfect crumbly texture. Here’s how to do it:
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter pieces using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. The cooler the butter, the better the crumb!
- Don’t overwork it; you want a mix that holds together slightly but still crumbles easily.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly on your cake batter before baking, and you’ll have a delightful crunch with each bite!
Moist 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
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful coffee cake will require about 15 minutes for prep and 40-45 minutes for baking. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. In total, you’ll be enjoying your sweet treat in about 1 hour, but it’s well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8-inch square or round baking pan and grease it with a little butter or cooking spray, then dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose 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 mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is key for a moist and tender cake!
4. Add Eggs and Flavor:
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Now, gently add the ripe mashed bananas and sour cream to the butter mixture. Don’t worry; it might look a bit lumpy—that’s okay! Just mix until everything is combined.
6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
7. Make the Streusel Topping:
In another bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel. Then add the cold butter pieces and combine using a pastry cutter or your fingers until you achieve a crumbly texture that resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter to create a delicious crunchy layer.
9. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, take it out of the pan to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your delicious banana crumb coffee cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea!
Happy baking! 🍌☕
FAQ for Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen bananas, just thaw them beforehand. You can let them sit in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in warm water for quicker thawing. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This cake can be made a day in advance. Once baked and cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just warm it slightly in the microwave before serving, if desired. It keeps well for 2-3 days!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and freezing them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips into the batter for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you add extra ingredients!
