Coffee Cake Banana Bread

Coffee Cake Banana Bread brings together the irresistible flavors of banana bread and the deliciously sweet, crumbly texture of coffee cake. This recipe offers a perfect balance of moist banana bread and a sugary cinnamon topping, creating a delectable treat for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. The addition of the cinnamon crumb topping gives it that classic coffee cake feel, making it a great choice for gatherings or a cozy treat to enjoy any day of the week.

This recipe yields two loaves, making it perfect for sharing, or if you prefer, you can freeze one loaf for later. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this coffee cake-inspired banana bread will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. The Best of Both Worlds

This recipe combines the moist, soft texture of banana bread with the sweet and crumbly topping of coffee cake, giving you the best of both worlds.

2. Perfect for Sharing

With two loaves, you’ll have more than enough to share with friends, family, or coworkers, making this a perfect recipe for gatherings or gifting.

3. A Delicious Crumb Topping

The cinnamon-sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness, making this banana bread feel extra special.

4. Versatile and Easy to Make

This recipe is simple and requires basic ingredients you probably already have at home. You can make it quickly and easily with minimal effort.

5. Ideal for Breakfast or Dessert

With its rich flavor and satisfying texture, this banana bread works perfectly as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack with your favorite drink.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Bread

• Medium or large bananas
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Crumb Topping

• Ground cinnamon
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Cold butter

Variations

• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: If you like extra texture, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Use Greek Yogurt for Extra Tang: If you want a tangier flavor and extra moisture, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the batter for a warming spiced twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Mixture

In a small bowl, mash the bananas together with the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the bananas are fully mashed and well mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 5: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.

Step 6: Add Sour Cream

Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until the batter is smooth.

Step 7: Add the Mashed Bananas

Mix in the mashed banana mixture until everything is well combined.

Step 8: Prepare the Crumb Topping

For the crumb topping, combine the cinnamon, flour, and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 9: Assemble the Loaves

Pour the banana bread batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter in both pans.

Step 10: Bake

Bake the banana bread for about 35-40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs stuck to it.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more flavor and moisture they provide. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best results.
• Cold Butter for Crumb Topping: Be sure to use cold butter when making the crumb topping to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If not, continue baking and check every few minutes.

How to Serve

This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream, a smear of butter, or even a drizzle of honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer. It can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

If you prefer your banana bread warm, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or reheat the entire loaf in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Frozen bananas work great for banana bread. Thaw them first and mash them before adding them to the batter.

2. Can I make this recipe without sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar texture and flavor, or even buttermilk if that’s what you have on hand.

3. Can I make this in one large loaf pan?

Yes, you can. Just use a 9×5-inch loaf pan and bake for about 50-55 minutes, but be sure to test for doneness with a toothpick.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

5. Can I freeze the batter?

It’s best to bake the batter and then freeze the loaves. Freezing the raw batter can affect the texture of the bread.

6. How long will this banana bread last?

This banana bread will stay fresh for 3 days at room temperature, up to a week if refrigerated, and for several months if frozen.

7. Can I make the crumb topping in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the crumb topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before using it.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the banana bread?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips would make a great addition to the batter. Add about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of mini or regular-sized chocolate chips.

9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this banana bread dairy-free, use dairy-free butter or oil, and substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt.

10. Can I use less sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread. However, reducing sugar too much might affect the texture and moisture.

Conclusion

Coffee Cake Banana Bread combines the best aspects of banana bread and coffee cake in one delicious loaf. With its moist, flavorful banana base and sweet, cinnamon crumble topping, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, this banana bread is sure to satisfy your cravings. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, it’s the perfect recipe to bake and share with family and friends.

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