Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Let’s start with a little culinary love story, shall we?

Imagine the rich, buttery crumble of coffee cake-crumbly, cinnamon-kissed, and utterly comforting-falling in love with the moist, tender, banana-packed goodness of classic banana bread. They meet in a warm oven, bake for an hour, and out comes Coffee Cake Banana Bread, the hybrid dessert (or breakfast?) you never knew you needed.

It’s:

• A hug in loaf form
• Perfect with your morning brew (coffee lovers, this one’s for you!)
• A fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas hanging around
• A total crowd-pleaser-especially for brunches, potlucks, or just because you deserve something sweet on a random Tuesday

This isn’t just banana bread-it’s banana bread with a cinnamon streusel topping, a ribbon of sweet spice running through it, and a flavor that feels like sweater weather any time of year.

Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe

Let’s cut to the chase (or loaf): this recipe brings two comforting classics together in one stunning, flavorful bake. The texture is out of this world-moist and dense without being heavy, with a gorgeous crunch on top thanks to the streusel. And wait for the smell that fills your kitchen. Pure heaven.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you need-broken down into three parts: the banana bread base, the cinnamon streusel, and an optional glaze if you’re feeling fancy (you probably are).

For The Banana Bread

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (brown and spotty is best!)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark works)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, but enhances the coffee cake vibes)

For The Cinnamon Streusel Topping (and Filling)

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

Optional Vanilla Glaze (because Why Not)

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

How To Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread

Alright-let’s get baking! This is a super straightforward recipe, but I’ll guide you through every step like your personal baking bestie.

Prep Time

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Make The Streusel

• In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to crumble it into the dry mix. It should look like wet sand with pea-sized chunks. Set aside-try not to snack on it (I know it’s tempting).

Mix The Banana Bread Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
• In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix-lumps are okay!

Layer It Up

• Pour half the banana bread batter into the loaf pan.
• Sprinkle half the streusel over it.
• Pour the remaining batter over the top.
• Finish with the rest of the streusel. Press it gently into the batter so it sticks.

Bake

• Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil halfway through baking.

(Optional) Glaze It Up

• While the bread cools, whisk together your glaze ingredients.
• Drizzle over the cooled loaf for a bakery-style finish.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Ever wonder why certain ingredients do what they do? Let’s nerd out for a second:

• Bananas: Not just flavor-bananas are a natural moistener and binder. They also add sweetness, meaning you can cut back on sugar a bit if you like.
• Brown Sugar: Contains molasses, which keeps baked goods soft and adds depth. Dark brown sugar = more molasses = richer flavor.
• Butter: Provides that dreamy, tender crumb. Melted butter means denser banana bread; creamed butter = fluffier. We’re going for moist and rich here, hence the melting.
• Baking Soda: Reacts with the acidity in bananas to give the bread lift. That’s science, baby!
• Cinnamon: Warm, spicy, nostalgic-it ties the coffee cake and banana bread elements together beautifully.

Expert Tips

Want your banana bread to come out absolutely perfect? Here are some pro-level secrets:

• Use overripe bananas. The more speckled and soft, the better. They’re sweeter and mash more easily.
• Don’t overmix. It’s okay if your batter isn’t completely smooth. Overmixing can make your bread tough.
• Layer that streusel. Don’t just dump it on top-layering some in the middle adds that irresistible coffee cake swirl.
• Cool it completely. Tempting as it is, slicing too early can make it gummy. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative or want to use what’s already in your pantry? You’ve got options!

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add amazing texture and a toasty bite.
• Add chocolate chips: Because chocolate + banana = eternal love.
• Swap the streusel: Try a spiced oat crumble with a pinch of nutmeg for an autumn twist.
• Go gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. It works surprisingly well!
• Make muffins: Pour batter into muffin tins, reduce bake time to ~22-25 minutes.
• Vegan version: Sub eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Final Words: Why You’ll Make This Again (and Again)

This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is one of those recipes-the kind you make once and suddenly, it becomes a staple. People will ask for the recipe. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery. You’ll start buying bananas just to let them overripen on purpose.

And the best part? It feels fancy, but it’s easy enough to whip up on a Sunday morning with a messy bun and slippers.

Whether you’re:

• Hosting brunch,
• Treating your coworkers,
• Looking for the perfect baked gift,
• Or just craving something sweet and cozy…

…this loaf’s got your back.

FAQs

What Makes A Coffee Cake Banana Bread Different From Regular Banana Bread?

A coffee cake banana bread combines the moist texture of traditional banana bread with the crumbly, sweet topping of a coffee cake. It usually includes a streusel topping or swirl to provide a sweet, cinnamon-flavored contrast to the banana bread base, making it perfect for breakfast or a dessert.

Can I Use Ripe Bananas For A Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe?

Yes, ripe bananas are ideal for coffee cake banana bread as they are sweeter and provide more moisture to the bread. The overripe bananas, especially those with brown spots, will enhance the flavor and texture.

How Can I Make The Topping For Coffee Cake Banana Bread?

The topping for coffee cake banana bread typically consists of a mixture of flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. Mix these ingredients together until crumbly and sprinkle them over the batter before baking.

Can I Substitute The Butter In The Recipe With Oil?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or another neutral oil. However, butter provides a richer flavor and contributes to the texture. If you opt for oil, the bread will be slightly more moist, but the flavor may be less pronounced.

Is It Necessary To Use Both Baking Soda And Baking Powder In A Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe?

In most coffee cake banana bread recipes, both baking soda and baking powder are used. Baking soda reacts with the acid in the bananas to help the bread rise, while baking powder ensures that the bread stays light and fluffy. Using both gives the best texture and rise.

Can I Add Chocolate Chips Or Nuts To My Coffee Cake Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans is a great way to enhance the flavor and texture of your coffee cake banana bread. Simply fold them into the batter before adding the streusel topping for extra crunch and sweetness.

Should I Refrigerate Coffee Cake Banana Bread?

Refrigeration isn’t necessary for coffee cake banana bread, but it can help extend its shelf life for a few extra days. If you prefer it to stay fresh for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

How Long Does Coffee Cake Banana Bread Take To Bake?

Coffee cake banana bread typically takes 50 to 60 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C), depending on the size and type of pan used. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread-if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready.

Can I Make The Coffee Cake Banana Bread In Advance?

Yes, you can make the coffee cake banana bread in advance. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months-just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

What Type Of Pan Is Best For Baking Coffee Cake Banana Bread?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal for baking coffee cake banana bread. This size allows the bread to cook evenly without overflows. If you want a more traditional coffee cake look, you can also use a round cake pan or a bundt pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time.