Are you looking for a new way to jazz up your coffee cake routine? Try adding bananas! This Banana Coffee Cake recipe combines the sweet, comforting flavors of ripe bananas with the rich, warm notes of coffee cake. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, needing a tasty snack, or simply enjoying a relaxing morning, this cake offers the perfect blend of moisture, sweetness, and a delightful crumbly topping. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
For the Streusel Topping:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine with Bananas and Sour Cream
Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together both sugars, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 cup flour for the topping. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This makes it easier to cut into squares.
Serving Suggestions:
This banana coffee cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a morning treat, pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Storage:
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
This Banana Coffee Cake recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Its irresistible combination of bananas and sweet streusel will delight anyone who tries it. Perfect for any occasion, this cake promises to please both banana and coffee cake lovers alike!
Tips for Perfect Banana Coffee Cake
When baking a cake as delightful as this Banana Coffee Cake, a few tips can ensure that your baking experience goes smoothly and that the end result is as delicious as it should be. Here are some expert tips to help you master this recipe:
Choosing the Right Bananas:
The key to a rich banana flavor in your coffee cake is using overly ripe bananas. Look for bananas that have lots of brown spots—these are sweeter and more flavorful, making them perfect for baking.
Room Temperature Ingredients:
To achieve a smooth and evenly mixed batter, ensure that all your ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and sour cream, are at room temperature before you start mixing.
Do Not Overmix:
When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until they are combined. Overmixing the batter can lead to a denser, tougher cake because it develops the gluten in the flour.
Check for Doneness Properly:
Because of the moistness from the bananas, this cake might take a little longer to bake than other types of coffee cake. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Let It Cool:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without falling apart. If you lined your pan with parchment paper, you could lift the entire cake out for easier cooling and cutting.
Enhancing Flavor:
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a splash of rum or almond extract to the batter along with the vanilla extract. These flavors complement the banana and cinnamon wonderfully.
Customize Your Toppings:
While walnuts or pecans are suggested for the streusel topping, feel free to customize according to your preference or dietary needs. Almonds, cashews, or even a mix of seeds like pumpkin and sunflower can add a delightful crunch. Alternatively, for a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts.
Nutritional Considerations:
This Banana Coffee Cake, while a treat, can be tweaked to fit different dietary needs:
Reducing Sugar: You can reduce the granulated sugar in the cake batter if you prefer something less sweet. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it’s a 1:1 baking blend for the best results.
Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative.
This Banana Coffee Cake recipe offers a scrumptious twist on traditional coffee cake, making it a standout dish for any occasion. With its moist banana-flavored crumb, sweet and crunchy streusel topping, and the warmth of cinnamon, it’s a cake that invites you to sit down and enjoy every bite. Whether it’s for a special brunch, a comforting snack, or a celebratory treat, this cake will surely capture the hearts (and taste buds) of all who try it. Enjoy baking and indulging in your homemade creation!
