Best Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug with every bite, you’ve got to try this Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon. It’s a moist and flavorful cake loaded with ripe bananas and topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumb layer that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving something sweet to start your day or a comforting dessert to wrap up the evening, this easy-to-bake recipe promises rich flavors and a texture that’s out of this world. It’s the ultimate blend of banana’s natural sweetness and cozy cinnamon spice that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra Moist Texture: Ripe bananas make the cake incredibly tender and moist, keeping every bite soft and delicious.
• Perfect Cinnamon Crumble: The cinnamon crumb topping adds a delightful crunch and a warm, spicy aroma that elevates the whole cake.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that come together effortlessly, great for busy mornings or last-minute dessert needs.
• Versatile Treat: Equally wonderful for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, making it an all-day favorite.
• Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet but not overpowering, it’s sure to be a hit with all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon relies on simple, wholesome ingredients to achieve its perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. Each component plays a vital role in crafting a cake that’s soft inside and wonderfully crumbly on top.

• Ripe bananas: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• All-purpose flour: The structural base that holds the cake together.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the crumb topping and cake.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure the cake rises perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the cake and topping its warm, inviting flavor.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a smooth aroma.
• Milk or buttermilk: Adds moistness and helps develop a tender crumb.

Variations for Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon

Feel free to personalize your Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon to match your preferences or dietary needs. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and easy to tweak while still delivering incredible flavor.

• Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a tasty alternative.
• Dairy-free version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of milk to keep it dairy-free.
• Extra fruity: Fold in fresh blueberries or shredded apple for a burst of additional fruitiness.
• Spiced up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves alongside cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.

How to Make Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking pan. Mash the ripe bananas thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy base that will infuse the cake with moisture and sweetness.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together softened butter and both sugars until creamy and smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and mashed bananas, combining everything until silky and well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices for a perfectly balanced flavor.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet banana mixture alternately with milk (or buttermilk), mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and light.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter cut into small pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon crumb topping over the surface. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges are golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps the cake set perfectly and makes slicing easier.

Pro Tips for Making Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon

• Use overripe bananas: They provide the best natural sweetness and moisture for the cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until ingredients are just combined to keep the crumb tender.
• Chill the crumb topping: Keep the butter cold to get that perfect crumbly texture.
• Check doneness early: Start testing with a toothpick after 40 minutes to avoid drying out the cake.
• Room temperature ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs, butter, and milk for smoother mixing and consistent texture.

How to Serve Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon

Garnishes

Top your slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. You can also add a few fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for visual appeal and crunch.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of your favorite coffee or tea, as well as fresh fruit or creamy yogurt on the side for a balanced breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon in petite squares as finger food at gatherings, or layer it with whipped cream and fresh berries to turn it into a stunning trifle dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap unused portions tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to three months and thaws overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat the whole cake in a 300°F oven covered loosely with foil for about 15 minutes to refresh its moist texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this cake?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a soggy batter.

Is this recipe suitable for making cupcakes?

Absolutely, spoon the batter into muffin tins and reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes for perfectly moist banana crumb cupcakes.

Can I substitute the butter with oil for a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can replace butter with a neutral oil like vegetable or coconut oil, but the texture of the crumb topping may be slightly different.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into one cup of milk and letting it sit for five minutes.

How ripe should the bananas be for the best flavor?

Choose bananas that are heavily speckled or even mostly brown for the sweetest flavor and softest texture in the cake.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Cinnamon is truly one of those recipes that feels like home in every bite. It’s comforting, simple to make, and endlessly satisfying, no matter the occasion. Give it a whirl on your next cozy morning or sweet craving moment; you just might find your new favorite staple for gatherings and quiet moments alike!

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