This Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is soft and sweet, packed with ripe bananas and topped with yummy streusel. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack!
I love how easy this cake is to whip up. Plus, the warm banana smell filling the kitchen is so inviting. You won’t be able to resist sneaking a slice! 🍌☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Overripe bananas work best as they add more sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or so.
Sour Cream: This gives the cake moisture and tang. If you’re looking for a substitute, plain yogurt or buttermilk works well. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using coconut yogurt—just keep an eye on the flavor balance.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add great crunch. If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use them, you can simply leave them out or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds for texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness. If you’re short on butter, vegetable oil or melted coconut oil can be used in equal amounts.
How Do I Make Sure My Coffee Cake is Moist?
To get that delightful moistness, follow a few key steps. First, don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients—this can toughen the cake. Mix just until combined. Next, using ripe bananas is essential; they add natural moisture. Finally, allowing the cake to cool in the pan helps retain its moist texture.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
- Use extra ripe bananas for a moist cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to maintain moisture.
Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful coffee cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time. Altogether, expect about an hour to enjoy this delicious treat from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×9-inch square baking pan by greasing and lightly flouring it, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that your cake rises properly. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes—don’t rush it; this is what adds air to your cake!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, add in your vanilla extract—this will make your cake smell amazing!
5. Mix in Bananas and Sour Cream:
Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is well combined. You should have a lovely, creamy mixture at this point.
6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly for even baking.
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped nuts (if using), and cinnamon. Then, adding the cold butter pieces, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. This adds a delicious crumble on top of the cake.
9. Add Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter in the pan. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for a bit. When it’s cool enough to handle, slice it up and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it with a nice cup of coffee or tea!
FAQ for Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Frozen bananas can actually be more flavorful, so they work great in this cake!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the coffee cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm treat!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk. For a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt works well, keeping the cake moist and flavorful!
