This Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is soft, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or snack time! The banana flavor blends beautifully with the crunchy streusel topping.
I love how easy it is to whip this up, and the smell while it’s baking is just heavenly. It’s a real treat to share, or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the star here, bringing moisture and natural sweetness. Overripe ones work best! If you have a banana allergy, you could use applesauce in the same amount to keep the moisture.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This is key for keeping the cake tender. If you don’t have either, a mix of buttermilk and cream cheese can work, or even regular milk will do in a pinch, though it may lose some moisture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control of the cake’s overall flavor. If you need a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Just note, it can slightly change the taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which usually works well in baking without much adjustment.
How Do I Ensure My Cake Doesn’t Come Out Dry?
To make sure your coffee cake stays moist, the key is to be gentle when mixing your batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense and dry cake. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by creaming the butter with sugars until fluffy, then add your eggs one by one to create an airy mixture.
- When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until you don’t see any more flour. A few lumps are totally okay!
- Don’t forget, adding moist ingredients like bananas and sour cream helps too. If your mixture looks too thick, a splash more milk can help without impacting texture too much.
Following these tips will help ensure your cake is perfectly soft and delicious every time! Enjoy your baking!
Moist Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Sweet Streusel
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful coffee cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy a delicious slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch (or 8×8) square baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This dry mix will give your cake the right lift and flavor. Set it aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat them with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor.
5. Incorporate the Bananas and Dairy:
Mix in the mashed bananas, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk until everything is well combined. This will keep your cake moist and flavorful!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake might become dense.
7. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
8. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the banana batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
9. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and do a toothpick test—when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, it’s done!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then, slice and serve warm or at room temperature with a nice cup of coffee or tea!
This coffee cake is sure to impress with its moist texture from the bananas and sour cream, paired with a deliciously sweet and crumbly streusel topping. Enjoy each delightful bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Unsweetened Applesauce Instead of Bananas?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened applesauce for the mashed bananas! Use an equal amount (1 cup) to maintain moisture. However, the flavor will be different, leaning towards apple, so consider adding a bit more cinnamon to enhance the taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the baking pan. However, for the best texture and taste, I recommend baking it fresh. You can also prepare the streusel topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute! You can also use buttermilk or even regular yogurt in a pinch. For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based yogurt alternative that has a similar texture.
