If you’re anything like me, finding that perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea feels like a small victory. This Classic Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe is one of those magical creations that marries the moist, comforting texture of banana bread with the sweet, crumbly delight of a coffee cake topping. Imagine biting into a slice with cinnamon-spiced crumble that perfectly complements the rich, banana-sweetened base. It’s a simple recipe with ingredients you likely have on hand, but the results? Absolutely extraordinary and guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building the texture, flavor, and richness that make this bread so irresistible.
- Flour: Using all-purpose flour ensures a tender crumb and sturdy structure to hold everything together.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully and become delightfully light.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Butter: Melted for the bread and cold cubed for the topping, it adds richness and creates that signature crumbly topping texture.
- Sugar and brown sugar: A perfect blend of sweetness and subtle molasses depth for both the bread and crumb.
- Sour cream: Makes the banana bread extra creamy and moist, adding a lovely tang.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the bread.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aroma and rounds out flavors beautifully.
- Bananas: Ripe and mashed, they are the star ingredient giving natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
- Cinnamon: Spices both the bread and the crumb topping for warmth and complexity.
- Powdered sugar and milk: Combined for a smooth glaze to finish the bread with a delicate sweetness.
How to Make Classic Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together 1.75 cups of flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of your leavening agent and salt, which is key to having a perfectly tender and well-risen banana bread.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with both sugars, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Mixing these well creates a creamy, rich base that gives the bread its moist texture and sweet flavor.
Step 3: Add Mashed Bananas
Next, fold in your mashed bananas gently into the wet mixture. The bananas not only bring natural sweetness but also keep the bread supremely moist and tender, essential for that comforting banana bread experience.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mix, folding just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, or the bread might become dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
For the classic coffee cake feel, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and additional flour to create a crumb topping. Then cut in cold butter cubes until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is where the bread turns into a coffee cake masterpiece.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the banana bread batter to a greased loaf pan, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar crumb topping over the entire surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The topping will bake into a crunchy, golden brown crown.
Step 7: Glaze the Bread
While the bread cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm loaf for a delicate, sweet finish that adds a lovely shine and extra flavor contrast.
How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top looks beautiful and adds an inviting touch. Fresh banana slices or chopped nuts also make fantastic garnishes that can amp up both the visual appeal and texture.
Side Dishes
This banana bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a classic combo. For a hearty breakfast or brunch, pairing with some creamy yogurt or a fresh fruit salad complements the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice thickly and toast lightly for a crunchy exterior, then spread with cream cheese or nut butter for a delightful twist. You can also cut into squares and serve as finger food at gatherings, paired with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep fresh for up to three days, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast fix.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Classic Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to three months without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, let the frozen bread thaw at room temperature, then warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked warmth. It’s almost like it just came out of the oven again!
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually best because they are sweeter and mash more easily, enriching the flavor and moisture of your banana bread.
What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both will add moisture and a slight tang that keep the bread tender and delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture close to the original.
How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The crumb topping should be golden and crisp.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips adds texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the banana and cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients and a little love can create something truly special. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy coffee break, it’s guaranteed to brighten the moment and bring smiles. Don’t hesitate—grab your bananas and give this recipe a try. Once you do, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a beloved staple in your house too.
Print
Classic Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Coffee Cake Banana Bread combines the best of two beloved treats: the moist, flavorful banana bread infused with ripe bananas and the rich, crumbly coffee cake topping spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, it delivers a delightful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1.75 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 0.6 cup granulated sugar
- 0.6 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 2.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup mashed bananas (about 2–3 medium ripe bananas)
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.4 cup granulated sugar
- 0.4 cup brown sugar
- 0.6 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1.5 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients for batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1.75 cups flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir in sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add bananas: Fold the mashed bananas into the wet mixture, mixing gently to combine.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture just until combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons brown sugar and 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon. Set aside for later use.
- Prepare streusel topping: In another bowl, mix 1.25 cups flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and pea-sized clumps form.
- Assemble the bread: Pour the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the batter. Then, generously sprinkle the streusel topping on top, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the topping browns too quickly, tent the loaf loosely with aluminum foil.
- Make the glaze: While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the bread evenly.
- Serve: Let the bread cool completely for best slicing results. Enjoy as a delicious breakfast treat or dessert with coffee.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture in the bread.
- Cold butter in the streusel helps create a nice crumbly texture.
- The sour cream adds richness and moisture but can be substituted with plain yogurt if necessary.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
