Imagine the warm aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home, merging with the rich scent of coffee cake—heavenly, right? This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is the ideal treat for cozy mornings or even as an indulgent afternoon snack. Perfectly moist and flavorful thanks to ripe bananas and deliciously sweet, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. Whenever I try to bring a bit of cheer to a friend’s day or simply pamper myself, this delightful bread comes to mind. It’s simple and quick to prepare, making it a beloved recipe for gatherings or just a personal treat any day of the week.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up this delightful Coffee Cake Banana Bread. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Plus, this recipe introduces the fantastic combination of two beloved baked goods while keeping it budget-friendly. Using pantry staples like bananas and flour, it invites creativity without straining your wallet.
Not only is it kid-approved and easy to make, but it also boasts a lovely crumb topping that adds a little extra crunch and sweetness. Imagine sipping your morning coffee alongside a slice of this beautifully crafted bread; it’s the ultimate way to kickstart your day or to impress guests at your next brunch gathering.
“I made this Coffee Cake Banana Bread for a friend’s birthday, and it was a hit! Everyone went back for seconds. It’s so moist and bursting with flavor, it’s definitely going into my regular rotation!” — Happy Baker
Step-by-step overview
Now, let’s dive into how this masterpiece comes together. Preparing Coffee Cake Banana Bread involves a few straightforward steps that will have your kitchen filled with delightful aromas in no time. First, you’ll mash the bananas and prepare the crumb topping while simultaneously mixing the wet and dry ingredients. With a quick bake in the oven, you’ll soon enjoy slices of this tender, flavorful bread. Here’s everything you’ll need!
What you’ll need
- 3-4 medium or large bananas
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup flour (for crumb topping)
- 1 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)
- 6 Tbsp butter (cold, for crumb topping)
Feel free to switch up some ingredients; for instance, Greek yogurt can be used for a tangy kick, and you could replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4-inch bread pans to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mash the bananas with the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs until the mixture is fully combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the sour cream until the batter is smooth.
- Gently fold in the mashed banana mixture until well blended.
- For the crumb topping, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 6 tablespoons of cold butter in a bowl. Mix until crumbly.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Top generously with the crumb topping.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Best ways to enjoy it
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread shines best when served warm. Slice it thick and enjoy it plain or spread with a bit of cream cheese or butter for added indulgence. If you’re hosting a brunch, why not pair it with a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for balance? A warm cup of coffee or tea works beautifully alongside, adding to the cozy vibe.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the Coffee Cake Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to extend its shelf life, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, or pop in a microwave for a few seconds to warm it through.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your bananas are well-ripened. They should be brown with spots for the sweetest flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stir until just combined for a light texture.
- To ensure even baking, make sure your oven is fully preheated.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost.
Creative twists
Experimenting with this recipe can lead to delightful surprises! Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch, or fold in chocolate chips or dried fruit. If you’re feeling adventurous, a swirl of Nutella or peanut butter in the batter could create an entirely new flavor profile.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with an additional baking time of 50-60 minutes.
Can I substitute eggs in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegan option, use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute.
How can I ensure my banana bread stays moist?
Properly measuring your ingredients and not overmixing the batter will help keep your bread moist. Storing it correctly will also maintain its texture and flavor.
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is bound to become a treasured recipe in your baking repertoire. Enjoy making it, sharing it, and savoring every slice!
Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Ingredients
For the banana bread
- 3-4 medium or large bananas Make sure they are well-ripened for the sweetest flavor.
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.75 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup butter, softened Can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs Can be substituted with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan option.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
For the crumb topping
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp butter, cold
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4-inch bread pans to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mash the bananas with the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs until the mixture is fully combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the sour cream until the batter is smooth.
- Gently fold in the mashed banana mixture until well blended.
Crumb Topping and Baking
- For the crumb topping, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 6 tablespoons of cold butter in a bowl. Mix until crumbly.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Top generously with the crumb topping.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
