Banana Coffee Cake with Rich Coffee Sauce

Banana Coffee Cake is a cozy, moist, and flavorful twist on traditional coffee cake, blending the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with warm cinnamon and a buttery streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea — hence the name, though there’s no actual coffee in the cake itself.

This recipe is the perfect use for overripe bananas, offering a soft, tender crumb and a hint of spice in every bite. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and sweet contrast, while optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips can take it to the next level. Whether you’re baking for guests or just want something comforting and homemade, this banana coffee cake delivers every time.

Ingredients Overview

For the Cake Batter

• Ripe bananas: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor. The riper, the better (brown spots are good).

• All-purpose flour: The base of the batter; creates a soft yet structured crumb.

• Baking soda & baking powder: Help the cake rise and stay light.

• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with banana.

• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

• Eggs: Bind the batter and give structure.

• Brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and moisture.

• Butter or oil: Keeps the cake rich and tender. Butter adds flavor, while oil keeps it ultra-moist.

• Sour cream or yogurt: Adds moisture and tang, improving texture.

• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile.

For the Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumb.

• Brown sugar: Sweet and slightly molasses-like.

• Ground cinnamon: For classic coffee cake flavor.

• Butter: Cold and cubed, rubbed into the dry mix to form coarse crumbs.

Optional Add-ins

• Chopped walnuts or pecans: For crunch.

• Mini chocolate chips: For a sweet twist.

• Oats: For a rustic touch in the streusel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Streusel Topping

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Add cold butter and cut it into the mixture with a fork or pastry cutter until pea-sized crumbs form.

3. Refrigerate while you prepare the cake.

2. Make the Cake Batter

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ cup unsalted butter or vegetable oil

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a large bowl, cream together butter (or mix in oil) and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

5. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.

6. Fold in sour cream or yogurt. The batter will be thick and creamy.

3. Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.

2. Sprinkle the cold streusel topping evenly over the top.

3. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze once cooled.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Success

• Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.

• Don’t overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added — mix just until incorporated.

• For the best crumb topping, use cold butter and keep the streusel chilled before baking.

Flavor Variations

• Maple banana coffee cake: Add 1–2 tbsp maple syrup to the batter.

• Nutty version: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.

• Banana chocolate chip: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter.

Dietary Substitutions

• Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt.

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

• Lower sugar: Use coconut sugar or a reduced amount of brown sugar (but keep enough for texture and moisture).

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Banana coffee cake is perfect for:

• Weekend breakfasts and brunches

• Afternoon snacks with tea or coffee

• Lunchbox treats or office bakes

• Holiday brunch tables with fruit and other pastries

Serve with:

• A cup of hot coffee or chai tea

• Fresh berries or sliced bananas on the side

• Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for an extra treat

This cake is just sweet enough to be dessert but balanced enough for breakfast.

Nutritional & Health Notes

Approximate per square (based on 9 servings):

• Calories: ~320

• Fat: ~15g

• Carbs: ~40g

• Sugar: ~22g

• Protein: ~4g

It’s a treat with wholesome ingredients like bananas and yogurt. To lighten it up, use less sugar in the batter or reduce the streusel topping.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make banana coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes. It keeps well for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving for best flavor.

Q2: Can I freeze banana coffee cake?

Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, wrap slices or the full cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp and warm before serving.

Q3: What pan size works best?

An 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan works great. You can also double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan — just add 5–10 minutes to baking time.

Q4: Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes — thaw them first and drain excess liquid before mashing and measuring.

Q5: Can I make this into muffins?

Yes. Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and top each with a bit of streusel. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Q6: Can I skip the streusel topping?

Yes, but the topping adds a classic coffee cake texture. You can also replace it with a glaze or dust the top with cinnamon sugar before baking.

Q7: Is there coffee in banana coffee cake?

No — “coffee cake” refers to a cake traditionally served with coffee, not made with coffee. However, you could add espresso powder for a subtle coffee note if desired.

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