If there’s one recipe that brightens my mornings and wows every brunch crowd, it’s Banana Crumb Coffee Cake. Imagine soft, banana-rich cake wrapped in sweet cinnamon-sugar crumbles, all finished with a drizzle of icing — every bite is pure comfort with a cozy hint of nostalgia!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Banana Flavor: Each bite is infused with naturally sweet, ripe bananas for a cake that’s moist and full of homemade warmth.
- The Perfect Crumb Topping: The buttery cinnamon-sugar crumble bakes up golden, giving every slice irresistible texture and sweetness.
- Easy to Make Dairy-Free: Just a quick ingredient swap and this Banana Crumb Coffee Cake becomes deliciously dairy-free—everyone can enjoy a slice!
- Crowd-Pleasing & Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake feeds a group, keeps well, and actually tastes even better the next day — perfect for laid-back weekends or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list might look familiar, but in this Banana Crumb Coffee Cake, each component has a special role — from ensuring the cake is tender, to creating that signature sweet crunch on top. Here’s a look at what makes this cake truly shine!
- Cold Unsalted Butter: For that perfectly crumbly topping — be sure it’s straight from the fridge so your crumbs stay chunky and golden.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base for both your cake and the crumb; use it for structure and that tender bite.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness to the topping (plus a hint of moisture so you get those melt-in-your-mouth crumbles).
- Granulated Sugar: Keeps the cake delicate and light, while balancing the deeper notes from the brown sugar.
- Ground Cinnamon: The secret to a heavenly spiced flavor in both the crumb and the cake itself.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise up fluffy and soft—just what you want for coffee cake.
- Salt: A tiny amount wakes up all the flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.
- Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient! Use bananas with speckles or even dark spots for the fullest, sweetest banana flavor.
- Eggs: Bring everything together and add lift and tenderness to the crumb.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Blends into the batter for a rich, velvety crumb. Vegan butter works perfectly if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the warm, bakery-style aromas and flavors.
- Almond Milk (or dairy or buttermilk): Moistens the cake and adds subtle richness—feel free to choose your favorite.
- Powdered Sugar and Almond Milk (for glaze): Whisked together, these make the simple, drizzly finish that takes each bite over the top.
Variations
One of the best things about Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is how beautifully it adapts to whatever you’re craving (or whatever’s in your pantry). Here are some easy, fun ways to make this recipe your own!
- Nutty Crunch: Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb mixture for extra richness and a satisfying bite.
- Chocolate Lovers: Toss in a handful of dark chocolate chips to the batter for decadent pockets of melty sweetness.
- Berry Burst: Gently fold in a cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist and little pops of color.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend to keep the cake tender and allergy-friendly.
How to Make Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and greasing a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. This step guarantees a golden, easy-release cake and a heavenly aroma that will fill your kitchen before you know it.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a large bowl, combine cold butter cubes, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Use your hands or two forks to mix and crumble until the mixture becomes sandy and clumpy—think pebbly, not powdery. Set this crumbly goodness aside; it’ll be both a middle layer and the crowning glory.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
Grab another bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures your leavening and spices are evenly distributed, and it helps keep your cake wonderfully light.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients
In a stand mixer, beat your softened butter until creamy—this gives the cake its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, add in the sugar and beat again until it’s pale and fluffy, then mix in the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas until just combined for the dreamiest, banana-packed batter.
Step 5: Combine All Components
With the mixer on low, alternate adding the milk and the dry ingredient mix, a little at a time, until everything is just blended (don’t overmix!). This keeps the crumb tender and airy. Your batter will be thick, creamy, and utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Layer and Bake
Pour half the cake batter into your baking dish, smoothing it out. Sprinkle about one-third of the crumb topping over this layer, then gently spread the rest of the batter on top. Finish with the remaining crumb mixture—generously! Bake for 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean and your kitchen smells utterly divine.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Let the cake cool for just 5–10 minutes (if you can wait!), then mix powdered sugar with a splash of almond milk until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the still-warm cake, then slice and serve. The crumbly top, soft cake, and sweet glaze are a match made in breakfast heaven!
Pro Tips for Making Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
- Super-Ripe Banana Secret: Use spotty, extra-ripe bananas—their intense sweetness and soft texture make the cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Chilly Butter for Crumb: Keep your butter cubes cold for the crumb mixture and resist overworking it; the colder and chunkier the crumbs, the better the crispy topping!
- Gentle Layering: Smooth the batter gently over the first crumb layer to keep the layers distinct for bakery-worthy texture and looks.
- Glaze Timing: Drizzle the glaze while the cake’s still a little warm so it sinks into the crumbs and forms a gorgeous, crackly finish.
How to Serve Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Garnishes
For a bakery-style finish, dust your Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with a little extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving. A light drizzle of glaze amps up the decadence, and a few toasted walnuts or pecans scattered on top add a lovely crunch and rustic look.
Side Dishes
This tender, crumbly cake pairs beautifully with classic coffee, of course, but also with herbal teas, fresh berries, or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt. If you’re serving brunch, try it alongside a simple veggie frittata or a fruit salad for an irresistible spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning party platter, cut the cake into neat squares and arrange them on a pretty tray, layering with parchment for easy grabbing. If you’re hosting a cozy gathering, serve warm slices in individual ramekins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—or pack into boxes as a sweet homemade gift!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Banana Crumb Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerate it for up to 5 days to keep the crumb topping crisp and the cake wonderfully moist.
Freezing
Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or on the counter until perfectly soft and ready for your next breakfast treat!
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven comfort, warm slices of Banana Crumb Coffee Cake in the microwave for 10–20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (about 300ºF/150ºC) for a few minutes. The crumb topping will revive and the banana aromas will fill your kitchen all over again!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Crumb Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! Thaw the bananas fully and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. They’ll lend extra moisture and concentrated sweet banana flavor to the cake.
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Can I make this Banana Crumb Coffee Cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in both the crumb and cake layers. Just check for doneness, as the bake time can vary a bit.
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Is it possible to prepare the cake the day before serving?
Definitely! Banana Crumb Coffee Cake stays moist and just gets more flavorful overnight. Bake as usual, let cool, cover tightly, and add glaze just before serving for the best presentation.
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What’s the best way to tell if my Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top will be golden and the crumb layer deeply fragrant.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never baked Banana Crumb Coffee Cake at home, I can’t wait for you to experience that magic first slice—moist, crumbly, and instantly comforting. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe brings big smiles every time. Enjoy every bite!
PrintBanana Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Banana Crumb Coffee Cake that features a moist banana cake base topped with a sweet crumbly layer, perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.
Ingredients
Crumb Layers
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (8 tablespoons), cut into small cubes (vegan butter for dairy-free)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (vegan butter for dairy-free)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup almond milk (or other milk alternatives)
Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Make crumb layers: Combine cold butter, flour, sugars, and cinnamon to form a crumbly mix. Set aside.
- Prepare cake batter: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix softened butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Alternate adding milk and flour to the batter.
- Layer and bake: Pour half of the batter in the dish, add a layer of crumb mix, then the rest of the batter, and top with remaining crumbs. Bake for 50-55 minutes.
- Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze. Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to a month; thaw before serving.
- Use vegan butter and almond milk for dairy-free option.
- Ensure butter is cold and cubed for crumb topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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