Imagine the comfort of classic banana bread with the irresistible crunch and coziness of cinnamon crumb topping — Coffee Cake Banana Bread brings the best of both worlds into every slice. This is the loaf you bake to treat yourself on a rainy afternoon, surprise a friend at brunch, or simply savor with your morning coffee. With a tender, moist crumb and a swirl of brown sugar streusel, it’s all about those simple feel-good moments. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want a slice ready at all times!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the wonderful, everyday ingredients that work their magic in this loaf! Each one plays a small but important role: the bananas add sweetness and moisture, the cinnamon brings warmth, and the classic streusel topping? That’s what gives this Coffee Cake Banana Bread its signature flair.
- Ripe bananas: Overripe bananas make the bread extra moist and naturally sweet.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Gives the loaf richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with a touch of caramel flavor, used in both bread and streusel.
- Large eggs: Help bind your batter and add lightness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash for fragrant, homey undertones.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure, both in the bread and that delicious crumble top.
- Baking soda: The secret to a sky-high, fluffy rise!
- Salt: Just enough to balance all the sweetness and make the flavors sing.
- Ground cinnamon: Scents the loaf and the streusel with classic, cozy vibes.
- Sour cream: Makes each bite extra moist—Greek yogurt works too if you prefer.
- For the streusel topping: Brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter combine for a sweet, crunchy crowning layer.
- For the glaze (optional): Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract create a pretty drizzle and another layer of sweetness.
How to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C); this ensures your loaf bakes up evenly right from the start. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan—this little step makes all the difference for a perfect, easy release when it’s time to cool and slice your Coffee Cake Banana Bread.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, gather your mashed bananas and stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. This is where you’ll see that familiar, almost caramel color and smell—so inviting! Stir in the sour cream, which is your ticket to an ultra-moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Take another bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This not only combines your dry ingredients evenly—it also breaks up any lumps, making your batter smooth and light.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
Gently add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding just until no streaks of flour remain. Over-mixing here can make your loaf tough, so keep it delicate. Pour half the batter into your prepared pan—it’s the first layer of goodness!
Step 5: Mix the Streusel & Assemble
In a small bowl, mix up brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until you get a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle half of the streusel over the batter in the pan, then pour the remaining batter on top. Finish with the last bit of streusel—it’s what gives this Coffee Cake Banana Bread its signature crunch and looks.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. The aroma will tempt you to peek, but let it finish baking fully for the best crumb and color. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—trust me, this helps the loaf set beautifully!
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy
If you’re feeling extra festive, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over the completely cooled bread. The glaze adds both sweetness and a lovely finish. Slice thick, savor slowly, and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for a bakery-worthy look. If you drizzled with the optional glaze, let it set for a sweet, glossy finish—each slice looks like it came straight from a cozy café!
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs beautifully with a mug of hot coffee or tea, as you might expect! Try it alongside a fresh fruit salad for brunch, or with creamy Greek yogurt for breakfast. The contrast is delightful and keeps things feeling light and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, cut your Coffee Cake Banana Bread into cubes, thread onto skewers, and serve with a bowl of vanilla yogurt for dipping. Or toast leftover slices and top with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a simple, sweet dessert. However you share it, this bread dazzles with its home-baked charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the loaf is completely cool, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will stay moist and fresh for up to 3 days. If you want an even longer shelf life, move it to the fridge—just know it may firm up a bit.
Freezing
Coffee Cake Banana Bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap the whole loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag. It can be tucked away for up to 2 months. When cravings hit, thaw on the counter or gently warm in the microwave—instant happiness.
Reheating
If you love that just-baked warmth, pop a slice in the toaster, air fryer, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. The streusel crisps up and the interior gets perfectly soft again—just as irresistible as the day you baked it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Coffee Cake Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Thaw your frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They work just as well and bring out an even riper banana flavor.
Is the glaze necessary?
The loaf is delicious with or without the glaze. The glaze is an optional sweet touch that makes it extra special, especially for serving guests or kids—feel free to skip or substitute with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The results are slightly different in texture, but you’ll still get a wonderful Coffee Cake Banana Bread.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
If your bananas aren’t quite there yet, you can bake them (in the peel) on a lined baking sheet at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes until blackened and soft. Let them cool before using—instant ripe bananas for your bread!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even mini chocolate chips add another layer of flavor and crunch. Just fold up to 1/2 cup into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or wow friends at brunch, Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a recipe worth sharing. Each bite is a delicious swirl of comfort and nostalgia. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite bake!
Print
Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious fusion of coffee cake and banana bread with this delightful recipe. Moist and flavorful, this treat is perfect for breakfast or as a snack alongside your favorite hot beverage.
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the streusel topping:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix all streusel ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle half of the streusel over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top and finish with the remaining streusel. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over cooled bread if desired.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas and mix in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the sour cream.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for best flavor.
- The glaze is optional but adds a sweet finishing touch.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
