Banana Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, so imagine this: You wake up on a Sunday morning, and there’s that warm, nutty scent of baked bananas, cinnamon, and buttery streusel drifting through the house. That’s banana coffee cake calling your name.

This cake is not just a breakfast treat-it’s a moment of comfort. It’s that sweet spot between dessert and breakfast. It’s also the best excuse ever to eat cake before noon. (You’re welcome.)

Banana bread is great. Coffee cake is delightful. But put them together? Oh, honey. You get a flavor-rich, tender cake with swirls of cinnamon sugar and a crumbly, golden streusel topping that makes each bite better than the last.

Banana Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is your ultimate go-to if you’ve got ripe bananas lounging on the counter and no desire to make yet another banana bread loaf. Here’s what this beauty brings to the table:

• Moist, flavorful banana base
• Sweet, cinnamon-swirled middle layer
• Crunchy streusel topping
• Optional glaze for that bakery-style finish

And the best part? It’s beginner-friendly but fancy enough to impress at brunch.

Ingredients Needed

You probably already have most of these in your pantry. Let’s break it down:

For The Banana Cake

• 3 ripe bananas – The browner the better (super ripe = super sweet!)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – For that deeper, molasses-y note
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – Keeps the crumb soft and tender
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For The Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Optional Glaze (because Why Not)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk
• Dash of vanilla extract

How To Make Banana Coffee Cake

Ready to bake? Let’s get into it step-by-step. You’ll feel like a total pro by the end of this.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper for easy lift-out.

Step 2: Make The Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Mash the bananas separately and mix them into the batter.
4. Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt. This is what gives it that dreamy moist texture.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined-don’t overmix!

Step 3: Make The Cinnamon Swirl

• Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: Make The Streusel

• Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
• Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Assemble The Cake

1. Pour half the banana batter into the pan.
2. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl evenly over the batter.
3. Add the remaining batter on top and gently spread.
4. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over everything.

Step 6: Bake!

• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let it cool for about 15-20 minutes before glazing.

Step 7: Glaze (Optional But Highly Recommended)

• Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
• Drizzle over the cooled cake in a zig-zag drizzle like a true bakery boss.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Ever wonder why this cake turns out so luscious? Let’s nerd out for a second.

• Bananas: Packed with natural sugars and moisture. They bind the cake and help it stay tender.
• Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: This is the real MVP for richness. The acidity also reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise.
• Brown Sugar: Contains molasses, which adds depth, moisture, and that gooey middle magic.
• Butter: Creaming it with sugar incorporates air, giving you a light, fluffy texture.
• Streusel Topping: It’s all about contrast-crunchy top meets soft cake. Butter melts and combines with sugar to create golden, crumbly perfection.

Expert Tips

Want to take your banana coffee cake from great to legendary? Try these:

• Use overly ripe bananas: Black spots? Good. Practically mushy? Even better.
• Don’t overmix the batter: This keeps your crumb tender and cake-like.
• Chill the streusel: Cold butter equals crumblier topping.
• Let it rest before slicing: It finishes cooking as it cools and firms up.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel if you like a nutty crunch.

Recipe Variations

Let’s shake things up a bit. Here are a few fun spins on the classic:

Chocolate Chip Banana Coffee Cake

• Fold 1/2 to 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips into the batter. Heaven.

Peanut Butter Swirl

• Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter in the middle layer and swirl for that banana-PB combo.

Apple Banana Cake

• Add 1/2 cup finely diced apples to the batter. Pair with cinnamon for that fall vibe.

Coconut Streusel

• Mix in sweetened shredded coconut with the streusel topping for tropical flair.

Gluten-Free Version

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend-but add an extra egg for structure.

Final Words

I don’t say this lightly: this banana coffee cake might just ruin you for regular banana bread forever. It’s:

• Moist but not heavy
• Sweet but not overwhelming
• Crunchy on top and soft in the middle
• Rich, warm, and perfectly cozy

And the best part? It’s versatile. Brunch, dessert, or a late-night snack-it works anytime.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Banana Coffee Cake?

The basic ingredients for a banana coffee cake include ripe bananas, all-purpose flour, sugar (granulated or brown), baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, sour cream (or yogurt), butter, vanilla extract, and a cinnamon topping mixture.

Can I Use Frozen Bananas For A Banana Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas for banana coffee cake. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them to prevent the cake from becoming too moist.

What Makes Banana Coffee Cake Different From Regular Banana Bread?

Banana coffee cake is typically lighter and fluffier than banana bread. It often includes a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping and is baked in a round or square pan, unlike banana bread which is usually baked in a loaf pan.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream In The Banana Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for a similar tangy texture and flavor.

How Ripe Should The Bananas Be For The Best Banana Coffee Cake?

The bananas should be overripe, with brown spots on the skin. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. This also helps in creating a moist and tender texture.

Can I Add Nuts To The Banana Coffee Cake?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans is a great way to enhance the flavor and texture of banana coffee cake. You can mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the cinnamon streusel topping.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For Banana Coffee Cake?

The streusel topping for banana coffee cake is made by combining butter, flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon until it forms a crumbly mixture. You can also add nuts for extra crunch.

Is It Necessary To Use Baking Soda And Baking Powder In Banana Coffee Cake?

Both baking soda and baking powder help the banana coffee cake rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture. Baking soda works with the acidity of the bananas, while baking powder provides additional leavening.

How Long Should I Bake The Banana Coffee Cake?

Banana coffee cake typically bakes at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake-if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.

Can I Make Banana Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make banana coffee cake ahead of time. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage and reheat it before serving.