Banana Crumb Coffee Cake

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm banana crumb coffee cake wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. This Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is a delightful mix of soft cake and a crunchy, sweet crumb topping. It takes approximately 1 hour to prepare and bake, making it a perfect treat for brunch or an afternoon snack, with its delicious mix of flavors coming from ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon.

This recipe is perfect for those who love a cozy and sweet breakfast or dessert experience. Ideal for family gatherings, brunch with friends, or just a delightful way to start your day, it can also be prepped ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment without losing its scrumptious charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch to the soft cake base.
• Fresh bananas create a moist and flavorful cake.
• Bake time is just 50-55 minutes for a warm treat.
• Easy to prepare with simple mixing techniques.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious coffee cake.

For the Crumb Topping

• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (I use vegan butter to keep this dairy-free)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (gradually add more by the tablespoon if needed)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (again, use vegan butter for dairy-free option)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup almond milk (you can also use 1%, 2%, whole milk, or even buttermilk)

For the Glaze (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons almond milk

Note: Use almond milk for a non-dairy option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan option.
• Substitute applesauce for eggs to make it egg-free.
• Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Utilize any plant-based milk as a substitute for almond milk.

How to Make It

Let’s get started on this delightful coffee cake!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease a 9" x 13" baking dish with butter or cooking spray; set aside.

Make the Crumb Topping

In a large bowl, use your hands or two forks to crumble together the cold butter cubes, flour, sugars, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles a crumbly topping. Set aside the crumb mixture.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a stand mixer, mix softened butter on medium until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and mix for another minute, until well incorporated. Then add the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas, and mix just until ingredients are incorporated (do not overmix!).

Combine Mixtures

Turn the mixer down to low, and alternate mixing in milk and flour until all ingredients are combined.

Layer the Mixture

Pour half of the cake mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1/3 – 1/4 of the crumb mixture. Then pour the remaining cake mixture on top of that layer and finally, top evenly with the remaining crumb topping.

Bake the Cake

Bake at 350º for 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk as needed until you get the glaze consistency you prefer. Set aside.

Cool and Serve

Cool at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top, slicing, and serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350º F for about 10 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding glaze for best results.
• Use a toothpick to check doneness; adjust baking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm alongside a cup of coffee.
• Pair with whipped cream for a dessert treat.
• Great for brunch or as an afternoon snack.