This moist banana crumb coffee cake is a cozy treat with a sweet streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Just imagine enjoying a slice with your morning coffee! I love to share it with friends, and they always ask for seconds. It’s hard to resist that yummy banana flavor! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for a moist cake. Look for bananas with brown spots for the sweetest flavor. If you’re short on bananas, try using unsweetened applesauce instead, about 1 cup for this recipe.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: Sour cream adds richness and moisture. You can substitute plain yogurt or even buttermilk if needed. They both work well without changing the taste too much!
Butter: Unsalted butter is used for best flavor control. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace half the butter with applesauce or oil to make it a bit healthier.
Walnuts or Pecans: While optional, nuts give a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies or want to make it nut-free, simply leave them out or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crumb Texture?
To get that moist and tender crumb, pay attention to the mixing process.
- When creaming butter and sugar, make sure it’s fluffy. This adds air for a lighter texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; it makes a big difference!
Let your cake cool in the pan before slicing to prevent it from crumbling apart. I always find that waiting at least 15 minutes helps it set perfectly! Enjoy baking!
Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana crumb coffee cake will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 40-45 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow around 15 minutes for cooling before serving, so the cake can set nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to combine the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully mixed before adding the next. Next, add the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into this wet mixture. Remember not to overmix—just fold until the flour is incorporated for a tender cake!
6. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the banana batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so the cake bakes uniformly.
7. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mix resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re adding nuts, stir them in now!
8. Top the Batter:
Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the banana batter, making sure to cover it nicely for that crunchy topping!
9. Bake and Enjoy:
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Smell that delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up a little, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your moist banana crumb coffee cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea!
FAQs About Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just keep in mind that the cake may be denser. For the best results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How Ripe Should the Bananas Be for This Recipe?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even a few black patches. They will provide the sweetest flavor and the best moisture for the cake.
Can I Freeze Leftover Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What Should I Serve with This Coffee Cake?
This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea! It’s also delicious served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet dessert treat.
