This moist banana crumb coffee cake is a dream come true for banana lovers! Topped with a crunchy streusel, it’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.
You can’t go wrong with this cake; it’s so soft and delicious that you might want to eat it for every meal! I love enjoying a slice with my coffee—it’s like a warm hug in a mug!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe. The black spots enhance their sweetness. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can also use banana puree from a store, but fresh is always best!
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture and richness. I often use plain Greek yogurt as a healthier option, and it works just as well in keeping the cake moist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to since it lets you control the salt level in the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to substitute with coconut oil or a non-dairy butter.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor to the streusel. If you have nut allergies, just leave them out or swap them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
How Do You Make the Perfect Streusel Topping?
Creating a crunchy streusel topping is all about the texture. You want a mix of dry ingredients and cold butter to create those delightful crumbs.
- In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork. Aim for pea-sized crumbs for the best texture.
- If using nuts, stir them in last, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Sprinkle this mixture generously over the banana cake batter before baking. It will create a delicious, crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the moist cake underneath.
Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful coffee cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy morning or to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or a similarly sized round pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. Set this dry mixture aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. You want to incorporate as much air as possible for a fluffy cake texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
5. Mix in Bananas and Sour Cream:
Gently mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until everything is just combined. Make sure you don’t overmix at this point to keep the cake tender!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the banana mixture, folding it in gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep this cake moist and tender.
7. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Pour Batter into Pan:
Pour the banana cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even surface.
9. Add the Streusel Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the cake batter. Get it nice and covered for that crunchy goodness!
10. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this time!
11. Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. This will help it set and make it easier to slice. Then, enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee!
Enjoy your delicious, moist banana crumb coffee cake with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are preferred for this coffee cake. Their natural sweetness and softness make the cake moist and flavorful. Just ensure they’re well mashed before adding to the batter!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt is a great substitute! You can also use buttermilk or a mix of milk and a little vinegar as an alternative to keep the cake moist and delicious.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover banana crumb coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy later!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Cake?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for extra flavor. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it may affect the cake’s texture. A half cup should work well!
