Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe

Simple Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe: Sweet Morning Magic

Banana coffee cake blends two beloved breakfast favorites into one irresistible treat.

Sweet, moist, and wonderfully aromatic, this delightful mashup promises to elevate your morning routine.

Warm spices and ripe fruit create a harmonious balance of flavors that dance across your palate.

The tender crumb offers a luxurious texture that melts effortlessly with each bite.

Crumbly streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, upgradeing an ordinary quick bread into something extraordinary.

Families and friends will adore this comforting twist on classic recipes that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Rich, decadent, and impossibly easy to make, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again.

Why Coffee Cake Banana Bread Is the Best of Both Worlds

  • Savor Dual Deliciousness: This recipe brilliantly combines the richness of coffee cake with the classic comfort of banana bread, creating a mouthwatering hybrid that satisfies two beloved dessert cravings in one delectable loaf.
  • Texture Triumph: The crumb topping adds an irresistible crunchy layer over the moist, tender banana bread, delivering a delightful contrast of textures that keeps every bite interesting and exciting.
  • Quick and Approachable Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, making it perfect for novice cooks wanting to impress family and friends with minimal kitchen stress.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with warm cinnamon notes and sweet banana flavor, this bread serves as an ideal treat for casual weekend breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or potluck gatherings that demand a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients That Bring Together Banana Bread and Coffee Cake

Wet Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe, soft bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the texture.
  • Butter: Softened butter creates a tender and flavorful base for the bread.
  • Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb with a slight tangy flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the bread.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps with moisture.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Standard baking flour that forms the structure of the bread.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
Crumb Topping Ingredients:
  • Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic combination for a sweet and spiced crumb topping.
  • Cold Butter: Creates a crumbly, streusel-like texture when cut into dry ingredients.

How to Make Banana Bread with a Crumbly Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Generously grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Banana Mixture

In a bowl, mash together:
  • Ripe bananas
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon

Set the fragrant mixture aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently sift into the wet mixture:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Stir until just combined. Fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt until the batter becomes silky smooth.

Step 5: Incorporate Banana Mixture

Pour the previously prepared banana mixture into the batter. Stir thoroughly to create a consistent blend.

Step 6: Craft Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Flour
  • Brown sugar

Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend in cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse, crumbly sand.

Step 7: Assemble and Top

Evenly distribute the banana bread batter between the two prepared pans. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each loaf, covering the surface completely.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to rest in the pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Slice and savor the delicious treat!

Tip: For extra moisture, ensure you’re using very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots.

Tips for Moist Banana Bread and Crisp Topping

  • Master Banana Ripeness: Choose overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor, ensuring a moist and rich banana bread.
  • Prevent Dry Texture: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender; stir just until ingredients are combined to prevent developing tough gluten.
  • Crumb Topping Technique: Ensure cold butter when making the crumb topping for a perfectly crumbly and distinct layer that doesn't sink into the batter.
  • Checking Doneness Trick: Insert a toothpick at an angle near the center; a few moist crumbs are perfect, while completely clean means potential dryness.
  • Storage Secret: Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 4 days at room temperature.

How to Store and Warm Up Coffee Cake Banana Bread

  • Refrigerate: Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Slice bread before freezing. Place each slice between parchment paper, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crispy on the edges.

Sides for Coffee Cake Banana Bread

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: Pair this banana bread with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the cake's warm cinnamon notes and brings out the sweet banana flavors.
  • Creamy Dairy Delights: Serve alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream to balance the bread's dense texture and enhance its comforting warmth.
  • Sweet Spreadable Extras: Elevate each slice with a light schmear of salted caramel butter or cream cheese frosting, adding an extra layer of indulgence that harmonizes with the cake's crumbly topping.
  • Afternoon Tea Twist: Complement the bread with a smooth chai latte or Earl Grey tea, whose spicy undertones will dance beautifully with the cinnamon and banana essence.

Flavor Additions for Coffee Cake Banana Bread

  • Nutty Crunch Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra texture and rich, earthy flavor. Mix 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the topping mixture before sprinkling over the batter.
  • Chocolate Chip Swirl Banana Bread: Fold 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the banana mixture before adding to the batter. The melted chocolate creates delicious pockets of sweetness throughout the bread.
  • Tropical Paradise Banana Bread: Incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded coconut and 1/4 cup of diced dried pineapple into the batter. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the crumb topping for a vibrant, island-inspired twist.
  • Cream Cheese Ribbon Banana Bread: Create a cream cheese filling by mixing 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Swirl the mixture into the center of the batter before adding the crumb topping for a luxurious, tangy surprise.
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Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe

Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Classic banana bread meets coffee cake in this irresistible fusion of comfort and flavor. Moist banana layers mingle with a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, promising a delightful treat you’ll savor with every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 34 medium or large bananas
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup butter, softened

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Crumb Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) butter, cold
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat two 8×4-inch loaf pans with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. In a compact mixing vessel, transform ripe bananas into a smooth pulp, then blend with rich brown sugar, aromatic vanilla extract, and warming ground cinnamon. Set this fragrant mixture aside to meld flavors.
  3. Using a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous. Introduce eggs and vigorously incorporate until completely unified.
  4. Delicately sift flour, baking soda, and salt into the creamy mixture, gently folding until just combined. Introduce tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt, stirring until the batter achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  5. Gently fold the previously prepared banana mixture into the batter, ensuring even distribution of the fruity essence.
  6. For the crumb topping, combine ground cinnamon, flour, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Integrate cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture transforms into rustic, coarse crumbs.
  7. Evenly distribute the banana bread batter between the prepared pans, then generously shower the crumb topping across the surface of each loaf.
  8. Position the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a cake tester or toothpick into the center; it should emerge with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
  9. Allow the bread to rest in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  10. Slice the cooled loaves and savor the delectable fusion of coffee cake and banana bread.

Notes

  • Create this recipe when you want a decadent breakfast treat that combines the richness of banana bread with the irresistible crumb topping of coffee cake.
  • Perfectly ripe bananas are the secret weapon, transforming ordinary bread into a moist, flavor-packed delight that will wow your family and friends.
  • Prepare the crumb topping first and refrigerate to ensure those delightful, crispy clusters stay cold and maintain their signature texture during baking.
  • Always use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs to guarantee a smooth, well-incorporated batter that bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – a few moist crumbs are good, but no wet batter means your bread is perfectly cooked.
  • Store covered at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for up to a month, ensuring a quick breakfast or snack anytime.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 3.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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