Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe

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If you love the cozy comfort of banana bread with a delightful twist that makes each bite feel like a treat, then this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine perfectly ripe bananas folded into a tender, moist loaf, crowned with a golden, crumbly cinnamon-sugar streusel that adds just the right touch of crunch. This recipe captures the best of both worlds, blending the classic banana bread warmth with the irresistible crumb topping that coffee cake fans adore. It’s a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, snack time, or even a sweet evening indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness. These simple pantry staples come together to create something truly special: soft, flavorful bread with a crunchy, cinnamon-swirled topping that keeps you coming back for more.

• 4 medium ripe bananas: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and moisture.
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel note to the banana mixture.
• 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant hint.
• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with cozy spice and complements the banana perfectly.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for a soft, sturdy loaf.
• ½ cup softened butter: Offers richness and helps achieve a moist texture.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Key leavening agent for fluffiness.
• ¼ tsp kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 2 tbsp sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderness to the bread.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: For the streusel topping, adding warm spice.
• 1 cup flour (for streusel): Creates the crumbly texture of the coffee cake topping.
• 1 cup light brown sugar (for streusel): Gives the topping a deep, molasses undertone.
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed (for streusel): Melted into the topping for buttery crunch.

How to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing two loaf pans. This warms up your oven so it’s perfectly ready when your batter is mixed, and greasing ensures your banana bread comes out cleanly with that beautiful crust intact.

Step 2: Mix the Banana Base

In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas with the light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This flavorful mixture brings all those warming, sweet banana notes front and center, which is what makes this recipe shine.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for air incorporation, resulting in a tender crumb and moist cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This gives your batter structure and richness while making sure everything is perfectly mixed.

Step 5: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and cinnamon. This combines the dry elements evenly so your banana bread rises and bakes consistently throughout.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating slowly until combined but not overmixed. This keeps your bread tender and prevents it from becoming tough.

Step 7: Add Sour Cream

Mix in the sour cream gently. This little addition is the secret weapon for moistness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Step 8: Fold in Banana Mixture

Beat the mashed banana mixture into the batter until just blended. Now your bread mixture is ready and full of luscious banana flavor.

Step 9: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. This topping will create the signature crunch and flavor that transforms banana bread into coffee cake banana bread.

Step 10: Assemble and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, then generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each loaf. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the loaves cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe even further, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top just before serving for an elegant touch. You can also add a light drizzle of honey or a smear of cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. For a heartier option, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness with a bit of tang and creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread and making mini banana bread sandwiches with nut butter or mascarpone cheese. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with your favorite jam or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week without losing moisture or flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the coffee cake banana bread whole or sliced. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will last in the freezer for up to three months, making it a great option for prepping ahead or saving for an occasional treat.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftover or frozen banana bread, warm slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or toast them lightly. This revives that fresh-baked taste and brings back the almost buttery softness with a crispy coating from the streusel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great once thawed and mashed. They are often even sweeter and softer than fresh, which enhances the flavor and moisture of the bread.

Is there a substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt or buttermilk makes a perfect substitute to maintain the moisture and slight tang in the bread.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend one-to-one for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure your baking soda is gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the bread?

To keep the topping nice and crumbly on top, gently sprinkle it over the batter just before baking and avoid mixing it in. The cold butter pieces in the topping also help it hold structure as it bakes.

Can this Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe be made as muffins instead of loaves?

Definitely! Just divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 22 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe is such a joy to make and share. Its warm cinnamon notes, moist banana goodness, and irresistible crumb topping come together in every slice to brighten any day. Whether you’re baking it for family breakfast, a casual brunch, or a sweet snack, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So grab those bananas and get ready to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of homemade happiness!

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