Name: Incredible Banana Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream; 3 bananas, mashed; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 79 reviews

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Incredible Banana Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of moist banana cake with a delectably crunchy cinnamon streusel topping that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds dance with joy. Whether it’s for a lazy weekend breakfast, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy dessert, this cake brings together simple, wholesome ingredients in a way that feels utterly indulgent and satisfyingly homey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of a white marbled surface with various baking ingredients neatly arranged. There is one large glass bowl in the top left filled with white flour, next to a smaller glass bowl with packed light brown sugar. Two ripe bananas with dark spots sit to the right. Below the flour and sugar are two eggs placed side by side. On the lower left is a container of ground cinnamon with a red lid, next to a salt shaker. Centered below the eggs are small square glass bowls with pecan halves and dark chocolate chips. To the right, two sticks of pale yellow butter are stacked. Below the chocolates is a pack of baking soda with bright orange packaging and a large red container of baking powder. Lastly, a white plastic bottle with a black cap labeled vanilla extract and a white plastic container of buttermilk with a green cap are on the bottom right. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success, and for this recipe, you’ll be working with familiar staples that show up in so many beloved baked goods. Each element plays an essential role, balancing richness, moisture, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave in a coffee cake.

Butter (3/4 cup, softened): Adds creamy richness and tender crumb.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup + 1 cup): Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture.
Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and helps with delicate crumb.
Eggs (2): Provide structure and help bind the cake.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates flavor with aromatic warmth.
Sour cream (1 cup): Gives moistness and a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness.
Bananas (3, mashed): The star ingredient, cooked to sweet, soft perfection for natural flavor and moisture.
All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups + 1 cup for topping): The backbone, providing structure and softness.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors.
Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the cake rise beautifully.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Reacts with sour cream and bananas for lightness and texture.
Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Infuses the topping with warm, fragrant spice.

How to Make Incredible Banana Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake comes out cleanly without sticking, making serving a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and regular sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps to incorporate air, giving your coffee cake that light, tender crumb.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then fold in the sour cream and mashed bananas. The sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang, while bananas bring their signature sweet, fruity flavor and keep the cake beautifully moist.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This mix leavens the cake and balances the acidity from the bananas and sour cream.

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cake tender and light rather than dense and tough.

Step 6: Spread Batter and Make Topping

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then, in another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and ground cinnamon for that cinnamon topping that makes this cake truly irresistible.

Step 7: Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake batter. Bake in your preheated oven for about 45 minutes, but start checking at 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. When it comes out clean, your coffee cake is perfectly baked.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool slightly to let the flavors meld and the topping set just a bit before slicing. This step ensures every serving is perfect—soft, moist, and layered with that crunchy cinnamon topping you love.

How to Serve Incredible Banana Coffee Cake Recipe

A square piece of crumb cake sits in the middle of a white plate, showing two main layers. The bottom layer is thick and light tan with a soft, crumbly texture and small bits of darker specks inside. The top layer is a thinner, uneven crumble with a mix of golden brown and darker brown colors, giving a rough, crunchy look. The plate is on a wooden table, and a silver fork with decorative patterns rests nearby in the bottom left corner. Yellow bananas are blurred in the background, and the whole scene is set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the cake is amazing on its own, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze takes it next level. Fresh banana slices or a dusting of cinnamon on top can also add visual appeal and an extra flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or tea to complement its layers of sweetness and spice. For a heartier brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving it warm in individual ramekins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or cut into tiny squares for a beautiful coffee party spread. It’s so versatile, it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover coffee cake stays great stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate for 4 to 5 days, just be sure to bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it gently in the oven.

Reheating

For best results, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. This revitalizes the moist crumb and crisp topping just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use ripe bananas that are overripened?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually preferred for this Incredible Banana Coffee Cake Recipe because they are sweeter and mash more easily, adding natural moisture and flavor to the cake.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To adapt for gluten-free diets, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for best results.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for the cake?

Using a fork or potato masher works great. Aim for a mostly smooth mash with some small chunks for texture. Over-mixing mashed bananas can sometimes affect the cake’s rise, so keep it gentle.

How do I prevent the topping from sinking into the cake?

Make sure to evenly sprinkle the topping over the batter without pressing it down. The butter in the topping helps it stay crispy on the surface, creating that signature crunchy layer.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Incredible Banana Coffee Cake Recipe that feels both nostalgic and fresh every time you bake it. It fills your home with cozy aromas and brings smiles to any table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and savor every delightful bite just like I do!