Why You’ll Love This Banana Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly pairs with your morning coffee, you’ll love this Banana Coffee Cake recipe.
It’s moist, flavorful, and has that perfect balance of sweetness. The aroma of bananas and cinnamon fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist!
I adore how the crunchy streusel topping adds a delightful texture on each bite. Plus, it’s simple to make, so I can whip it up even on busy mornings.
Whether for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this cake will become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients of Banana Coffee Cake
When it comes to whipping up a delightful Banana Coffee Cake, the ingredients are what truly set the stage for a delicious masterpiece. This recipe is packed with simple yet flavorful components that come together to create a moist and rich cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice just getting your feet wet, gathering these ingredients is the first step to baking success. So, let’s explore what you’ll need for this scrumptious treat!
Ingredients for Banana Coffee Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 2/3 cup brown sugar (plus extra for streusel)
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 cup butter (1/2 cup melted and cooled, 1/2 cup at room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus 3/4 cup for streusel)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (plus extra for streusel)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Now, let’s chat about the ingredients for a moment. The bananas are the star of the show, so make sure they’re nice and ripe. You know, those ones that are speckled with brown spots? Perfect for mashing and adding that sweet, banana-y flavor to your cake.
Don’t worry if you find yourself in a pinch and don’t have Greek yogurt; you can substitute it with regular yogurt or even sour cream—just keep an eye on the consistency.
And that streusel topping? It’s a game-changer. The crunchy texture against the soft cake creates a delightful contrast, making every bite a little piece of heaven.
How to Make Banana Coffee Cake
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and plunge into making this delightful Banana Coffee Cake. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350º Fahrenheit. While that’s heating up, grab a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan and give it a nice buttering. We don’t want our cake to stick, do we? No one likes a cake that clings to the pan like it’s got commitment issues.
Now, let’s tackle the streusel topping because, honestly, it’s one of the best parts. In a small bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter and let it cool. Then, mix together 2/3 cup of brown sugar, 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour that cooled butter over the mixture and get in there with a fork, mixing until it resembles a crumbly masterpiece with some larger chunks. Set that aside for now, and let’s focus on the cake itself.
In a medium bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, mash up those 3 ripe bananas (the brown-speckled ones, remember?) and add 3 large eggs, 2/3 cup of Greek yogurt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Now, here comes the fun part. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter (that’s 1/2 cup melted and cooled, plus another 1/2 cup at room temperature) with 2/3 cup of brown sugar and 2/3 cup of white sugar. Mix it until it’s light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add your banana mixture and blend until it’s all smooth and maybe a little chunky, but that’s okay.
Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating just until you don’t see any more flour ribbons—your batter should be thick and ready to be poured into your prepared pan.
Bake that beauty on the middle rack for about 20 minutes, and then sprinkle your streusel topping on top, gently pressing it in so it sticks. Pop it back into the oven and bake for another 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when you touch it.
For that perfect crunchy topping, move the cake to the top rack and switch your oven to broil for just 30 seconds to a minute. Keep an eye on it; we don’t want a charred masterpiece. Once it’s done, let it cool completely before cutting it into 16 pieces.
And don’t forget to dust it with a little powdered sugar for that fancy touch—because who doesn’t love a bit of pizzazz? Now, get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be the star baker at your next gathering.
Banana Coffee Cake Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Banana Coffee Cake recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can explore to make it your own.
For a healthier option, try swapping Greek yogurt for applesauce or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. If you love nuts, add some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
You can also mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of maple syrup or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Don’t hesitate to get creative—each variation makes it uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Banana Coffee Cake
What could be better than enjoying a slice of warm Banana Coffee Cake? I love pairing it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea; the flavors just complement each other perfectly.
If you’re looking for something invigorating, a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the experience. For a bit of crunch, consider serving it alongside some mixed nuts or a fruit salad.
I also enjoy adding a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch. Whatever you choose, the cake shines as a cozy treat, making each bite truly delightful!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Banana Coffee Cake turns out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately and using ripe bananas for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the streusel topping; it adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist cake. If you want to switch things up, try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. Once it’s done, let it cool completely before cutting; this helps it set.
Finally, dusting with powdered sugar just before serving adds a lovely finishing touch! Enjoy your baking!