This banana bread coffee cake recipe blends the comforting flavors of ripe bananas with a crumbly, cinnamon-spiced topping.
Created out of a passion for experimenting with baking and sharing wholesome treats, this banana bread coffee cake recipe aims to bring a warm and delicious option for breakfasts, brunches, or casual desserts.
Banana bread itself has roots dating back to early 20th-century America when baking soda and powder became common household ingredients, allowing home cooks to use overripe bananas instead of wasting them.
This banana bread coffee cake recipe takes that classic idea and adds a coffee cake twist for extra texture and flavor. The steps are easy to follow, and there are ideas for serving, tips, health benefits, variations, and storage to explore.
Why My Recipe Works
This banana bread coffee cake recipe works because it balances moisture, sweetness, and texture in just the right way. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and softness, while the sour cream or milk keeps the bread tender and moist.
Using both baking powder and baking soda ensures the cake rises well without becoming dense. The crumb topping adds a delightful contrast, giving a bit of crunch to complement the soft cake underneath.
Careful mixing prevents overworking the batter, which helps maintain a light texture. Overall, the ingredients come together to create a flavorful, tender, and inviting cake that feels homemade and comforting.
How To Prepare Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 5 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Cooling rack
- Pastry cutter or fork (for crumb topping)
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 1 to 1½ cups sugar (granulated, brown, or a mix)
- 2 to 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ to ¾ cup sour cream or milk (for moisture)
- ½ cup butter, softened or melted
- 1 to 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, but helps with rise)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ to 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Coffee Cake Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ to 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ to ½ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
How To Make The Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
1. Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by either greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper to stop the bread from sticking.
2. Next, get the crumb topping ready. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cut into small pieces, then use a pastry cutter or fork to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly. Put this bowl in the fridge to keep it cold while you make the batter.
3. For the batter, take a large mixing bowl and mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add softened butter, sugar, and either sour cream or milk, mixing everything well. Break the eggs in one at a time, beating the mixture after each addition to fully combine them.
4. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda (if you’re using it), and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the banana mixture, folding them in gently. Don’t over mix just combine until you don’t see any more dry flour. Over mixing can make the bread dense.
5. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Take the crumb topping out of the fridge and sprinkle it generously over the top, covering the batter.
6. Bake the bread in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check if it’s done by sticking a toothpick in the center if it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If the toothpick comes out wet, give it another 5 to 10 minutes and check again.
7. Once baked, take the bread out and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the bread set properly and improves its texture.
Note
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Sour cream adds moistness and a slight tang, but milk works fine too.
The crumb topping can be adjusted depending on how much crunch you like. If you prefer a more cake-like texture, use baking powder; for more banana bread texture, use baking soda. This cake freezes well slice and freeze for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Nutritional Amount
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 140mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
Why We Love This Recipe?
This banana bread coffee cake recipe stands out because of its rich, comforting flavors and the way the crumb topping adds a delightful texture contrast.
The natural sweetness from ripe bananas creates a moist, tender cake that feels nourishing and satisfying.
The hint of cinnamon and vanilla deepens the flavor without overwhelming the palate. It offers a wonderful balance between soft cake and crunchy topping, making it enjoyable to eat at any time of day.
The combination of familiar ingredients creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen, making it a favorite for sharing with family and friends.
Nutrition Benefits
This banana bread coffee cake recipe offers several nutritional benefits. Bananas provide natural sweetness along with important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, which support heart health and digestion.
The eggs supply protein and essential vitamins, helping with muscle repair and energy. Using sour cream or milk adds calcium for strong bones.
While the banana bread coffee cake recipe does contain sugar and butter, these ingredients provide energy and contribute to the cake’s texture and flavor.
Cinnamon not only enhances taste but also has antioxidant properties. Enjoying this treat in moderation can be part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with a nutritious breakfast or snack.
Serving Suggestions For Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
Banana bread coffee cake recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
It can be served slightly warmed to enhance the aroma and soften the crumb topping. For a more indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese frosting on the side.
Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples complements the cake’s sweetness and adds a refreshing touch. This banana bread coffee cake recipe also works well as a dessert, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey.
Tips And Variations
➤ Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe because they’re naturally sweeter and more mashed, making it easier to mix into the batter.
➤ Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: If you love a bit of crunch or extra sweetness, feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
➤ Make It Vegan: You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and using non-dairy butter and milk.
➤ Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten-intolerant, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the baking soda is also gluten-free.
Additions Make Banana Bread Coffee Cake More Delicious
✔ Chopped Nuts – Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and a toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas and cinnamon.
✔ Chocolate Chips – Sprinkle in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a sweet, melty surprise in every slice.
✔ Dried Fruit – Adding raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries brings a chewy texture and bursts of natural sweetness.
✔ Coconut Flakes – Toasted coconut flakes add a subtle tropical note and extra texture on top or mixed into the batter.
✔ Espresso Powder – A small amount of espresso powder in the batter enhances the overall flavor depth, making the banana and cinnamon stand out even more.
Storage And Shelf Life
This banana bread coffee cake recipe stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored at room temperature. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, it can be refrigerated for up to a week, though this might make the cake a bit firmer. To enjoy later, freeze the cake by wrapping it well in plastic and then aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Banana bread coffee cake recipewill keep in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I add coffee to this recipe for a stronger coffee flavor?
Yes! A teaspoon of espresso powder or a small amount of brewed coffee in the batter can give a mild coffee flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a gluten-free version.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots work best. They’re sweeter and easier to mash.
What can I substitute for eggs?
For an egg-free option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
Can I prepare the streusel topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the streusel topping ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Conclusion
I tried this banana bread coffee cake recipe with the added ideas, and it turned out incredibly delicious. Each slice was full of flavor and so moist that I couldn’t get enough.
Making banana bread coffee cake recipe inspired me to share the recipe because it’s a wonderful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any table.
I truly hope you decide to make banana bread coffee cake recipe and enjoy it as much as I did. After you bake it, let me know how tasty it was and how much everyone loved it!
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Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Cooling rack
- Pastry cutter or fork (for crumb topping)
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 1 to 1½ cups sugar granulated, brown, or a mix
- 2 to 3 very ripe bananas mashed
- ½ to ¾ cup sour cream or milk for moisture
- ½ cup butter softened or melted
- 1 to 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda optional, but helps with rise
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ to 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Coffee Cake Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ to 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ to ½ cup cold butter cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by either greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper to stop the bread from sticking.
- Next, get the crumb topping ready. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cut into small pieces, then use a pastry cutter or fork to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly. Put this bowl in the fridge to keep it cold while you make the batter.
- For the batter, take a large mixing bowl and mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add softened butter, sugar, and either sour cream or milk, mixing everything well. Break the eggs in one at a time, beating the mixture after each addition to fully combine them.
- Add vanilla extract and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda (if you’re using it), and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the banana mixture, folding them in gently. Don’t over mix just combine until you don’t see any more dry flour. Over mixing can make the bread dense.
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Take the crumb topping out of the fridge and sprinkle it generously over the top, covering the batter.
- Bake the bread in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check if it’s done by sticking a toothpick in the center if it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If the toothpick comes out wet, give it another 5 to 10 minutes and check again.
- Once baked, take the bread out and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the bread set properly and improves its texture.