This Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is a lovely treat, perfect for breakfast or snacking! Soft banana cake with a crunchy streusel topping makes every bite delightful.
Honestly, the best part is how the banana flavor shines through. I can’t resist having a slice with my coffee in the morning—it’s like a warm hug in a cake form! ☕🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the star here! They add natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re out of ripe bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute, though it won’t have the same flavor.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds creaminess and tenderness to the cake. Greek yogurt works great too. If you need a dairy-free option, look for a plant-based yogurt to use in the same amount.
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for better control of the cake’s saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute coconut oil or vegetable oil, but the taste will differ slightly.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe. For a gluten-free option, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but it might alter the texture a tiny bit.
How Do I Make the Perfect Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping is what makes this cake extra special! To ensure it turns out crispy and crumbly, follow these steps:
- Keep the butter cold. You want small pieces of butter in your mixture to create those lovely crumbs.
- Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt well before adding butter. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it feels crumbly. Don’t overwork it; you want to see some butter pieces for that crunch!
Getting the streusel just right is critical to achieving that delightful texture contrasted with the soft banana cake. Enjoy making your cake!
Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana crumb coffee cake takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45-50 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want another 15 minutes to cool it after baking. So, all in all, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy this yummy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your 9-inch square baking pan (or similarly sized) and grease it with butter or non-stick spray, then sprinkle with flour to coat the inside. This prevents the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help ensure even mixing and distribution of the leavening agents throughout the cake. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. It’s a vital step to make the cake nice and airy!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. After all the eggs are in, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma and flavor.
5. Incorporate the Bananas and Sour Cream:
Now, mix in your mashed bananas and sour cream until everything is just combined. The bananas give sweetness and moisture, while the sour cream adds richness. Don’t overmix—just a gentle stir until combined will do!
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add your previously set-aside dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold them together gently until you see no more streaks of flour. A few small lumps are totally fine—overmixing can make the cake tough.
7. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for your streusel. Add the cold butter pieces, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This will give you that lovely crunchy topping!
8. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter. This creates that beautiful crunchy crust on top once it’s baked.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Put the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you find any wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s delicious served warm or at room temperature, with a cup of coffee or tea to complement the sweetness!
Enjoy your Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping! It’s sure to be a hit! 🍞🍌✨
FAQ for Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes! If you have frozen bananas, simply thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or put them in a bowl of warm water for quicker thawing. Drain any excess liquid after thawing before mashing and adding them to the batter.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its freshness for about a week. Just remember to warm it up briefly in the microwave for the best taste before enjoying!
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and streusel topping in advance. Cover them separately and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the batter into the pan, add the streusel, and bake as directed!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain yogurt (Greek or regular) as a substitute. Alternatively, you can mix equal parts milk with lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes to create a similar tangy flavor.