If you ever thought banana bread couldn’t get any better, wait until you try this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe. It brings the best of both worlds: the moist, comforting texture of classic banana bread combined with a luscious, crumbly coffee cake topping that’s bursting with cinnamon and sugar goodness. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of sweetness and spice that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, a snack, or a treat to share, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create magic. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s bringing moisture, sweetness, flavor depth, or that irresistible crumbly topping.
- Bananas (3-4 medium or large): Ripe bananas are essential for the moist, natural sweetness in the bread.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons + 1 cup for topping): Adds caramel notes and helps create that perfect coffee cake crumble.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Ground cinnamon (3/4 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon for topping): Brings cozy spice and pairs wonderfully with bananas.
- Butter (1/2 cup softened + 6 tablespoons cold for topping): Softened butter makes the bread tender, while cold butter creates the crumbly topping texture.
- Sugar (1 cup): Balances out the banana’s natural sweetness and helps the bread brown beautifully.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and add richness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups for the bread + 1 cup for the topping): Forms the structure of both the bread and the coffee cake topping.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the bread, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and tenderness to the bread while giving a slight tang.
How to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bananas and Batter
Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth but still a little chunky for texture. Mix in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to infuse that classic warm flavor. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Alternate adding the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt—with the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mixing gently to maintain a tender crumb. Finally, fold in the banana mixture until everything’s just combined.
Step 2: Make the Coffee Cake Topping
In another bowl, combine the extra cup of flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into that mouthwatering crumb crust that gives this recipe its signature coffee cake twist.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the banana bread batter into a greased loaf pan and evenly sprinkle the coffee cake topping over the surface. The contrast between the moist bread and crunchy topping is what makes this recipe impossible to resist. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing so the topping can set perfectly.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet pretty touch, dust your slices with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of honey. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas also complement the flavors beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can add even more texture and a lovely nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect morning or afternoon treat. For a creamier option, serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to enjoy it as a dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Toast slices and top them with a smear of cream cheese mixed with a little honey and cinnamon. Or layer slices in a trifle with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a stunning brunch centerpiece that’s as tasty as it is beautiful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered ensures it stays moist and the topping remains crisp.
Freezing
This banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the topping crisp, though a quick zap can work in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe because they’re sweeter and easier to mash, which enhances the flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt works beautifully as a substitute. It adds the same moisture and slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend made for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or similar stabilizers to help maintain the bread’s structure.
Is the coffee cake topping optional?
While you can omit the topping for a simpler banana bread, the crumbly coffee cake topping is what makes this recipe uniquely delicious — it’s definitely worth the extra step!
How do I know when my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures the bread is fully baked but still moist inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe that feels like an instant classic the moment you try it. Whether it’s the cozy cinnamon-sugar topping or the luscious, moist banana bread beneath, each bite brings joy and warmth. Don’t hesitate to whip this up—it’s easy, forgiving, and guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (one loaf, approx. 8 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, featuring ripe bananas blended into a moist batter topped with a crumbly coffee cake topping. The rich, sweet, and spiced flavors combine with a cinnamon-sugar crumble to create a perfect balance of softness and crunch in every slice, making it an ideal treat for breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 3–4 medium or large ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
Coffee Cake Topping
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons cold butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the bananas, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create a tender and moist bread.
- Mix Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar one at a time. Then incorporate the banana mixture and the sour cream or Greek yogurt to add moisture and tang.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare the Coffee Cake Topping: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, 1 cup flour, and 1 cup brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will give the topping its signature crumbly texture.
- Assemble: Pour the banana bread batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the prepared coffee cake topping evenly over the batter to cover the surface.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the banana bread for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The crumb topping should be golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the perfect harmony of moist banana bread and crunchy coffee cake topping.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Ensure the butter for the topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Storage: Keep the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans in the batter for extra texture.
