This Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is a lovely blend of ripe bananas and a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack with coffee!
The best part? That crunchy topping is just so good that you might end up eating it straight from the pan! I know I do! 😄 It’s simple to whip up, and the bananas make it super moist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the coffee cake. If you prefer a less sugary version, try using coconut sugar or half the sugar amount without causing a drastic difference.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter for precise control over salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter works well here.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for flavor. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can bake them at 300°F for 15-20 minutes to speed up ripening.
Buttermilk: For a substitute, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. This will mimic buttermilk’s tanginess!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping adds such a wonderful crunch! To get it just right, remember to use cold butter. This is crucial because it helps create those lovely crumbs.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, brown sugar, cinnamon) thoroughly.
- Add your cold butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Don’t overmix, as you want some small butter pieces left for that nice texture!
Adding the streusel topping just before baking ensures a delightful, crunchy layer on top of the soft banana cake. Enjoy baking your delicious coffee cake!
Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Coffee Cake:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. So, you’re looking at around 1 hour to enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it, or you can line it with parchment paper for an easier release.
2. Cream Together the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
One at a time, beat in the eggs, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Be careful not to overmix; stir until just combined.
6. Incorporate the Bananas:
Gently fold in the mashed bananas until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will keep your cake moist and delicious!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
9. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the banana batter, making sure to cover it well for a tasty crunch!
10. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After cooling, slice and serve. Enjoy your moist, banana-infused coffee cake with that delightful crunchy streusel topping!
FAQ for Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and more flavorful. Just make sure they are soft and brown to get the best taste!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it will mimic buttermilk nicely!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. Just warm up individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving!
Can I Freeze This Coffee Cake?
Yes, you can! Once completely cooled, wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before enjoying.
