Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe

This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, moist treat with a hint of cinnamon and a delightful crumb topping. It combines the comforting flavors of banana bread with the rich, buttery goodness of a classic coffee cake. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a delightful snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe has you covered. Follow along to create a delicious banana bread with a twist that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Coffee Cake Banana Bread

For the Bread:

• 3-4 medium or large ripe bananas
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Prepping the Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that your banana bread will come out of the pans smoothly after baking.

Mashing the Bananas: Creating the Base Flavor

In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined. This mixture will be the base of your banana bread, giving it a rich, sweet flavor profile.

Creaming Butter and Sugar: Achieving the Perfect Texture

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar is crucial for creating a tender crumb in your bread.

Adding Eggs and Combining Dry Ingredients

Next, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, sift together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

Incorporating Sour Cream and Bananas for Moisture

Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will add moisture and a slight tanginess to the bread. Add the mashed banana mixture and stir until everything is just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Making the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, prepare the crumb topping by mixing 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 cup of flour, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Cut in 6 tablespoons of cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping generously over the banana bread batter in the pans.

Baking the Coffee Cake Banana Bread

Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared pans, filling them about two-thirds full. Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the loaves with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense, tough bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not Testing for Doneness: Always use a toothpick to check if the bread is fully baked. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
• Skipping the Crumb Topping: The crumb topping is what makes this banana bread unique. Don’t skip it!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious Coffee Cake Banana Bread warm, straight out of the oven, or let it cool to room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Mix in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to complement the cinnamon in the bread.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Fork or potato masher
• Spatula
• Two 8×4-inch loaf pans
• Oven

FAQs About Coffee Cake Banana Bread

• Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• How do I keep the crumb topping from sinking? Ensure your batter is thick enough and sprinkle the topping gently without pressing it down.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make this delicious Coffee Cake Banana Bread, it’s time to get baking! Perfect for any time of the day, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more tasty recipes and kitchen tips!

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