Easy Banana Bread Coffee Cake The One Bowl Cinnamon Crumb Breakfast

Key Ingredients and Why They Work

Each ingredient in this banana bread coffee cake recipe plays a critical role in creating a moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured cake. Divided between the soft banana base and the crumbly streusel topping, these components work together to create a bakery-worthy treat at home.

Banana Cake Batter

• Ripe Bananas: The heart of this recipe. Overripe bananas (with dark spots) are naturally sweet and provide moisture. They also contribute to the tender crumb and mild banana flavor, a cornerstone of all great banana bread.

• Melted Butter: Adds richness and keeps the cake soft and moist. Butter also enhances flavor more than oil would.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the banana flavor. You can reduce slightly for a less-sweet breakfast version.

• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure. If you’re egg-free, a flax egg or mashed banana can serve as a substitute.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warmth of the bananas and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon in the topping.

• Baking Soda: Essential for rise. The natural acid in bananas reacts with the baking soda to give the cake its fluffy texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure provider. Sift for a lighter crumb, or swap ½ cup for whole wheat flour for added fiber.

• Salt: A flavor booster that balances sweetness and enhances the cinnamon.

Cinnamon Streusel Topping

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes thanks to its molasses content. It melts slightly during baking for a crisp, sweet finish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping into those perfect crumbles.

• Cinnamon: The key spice in any coffee cake. Its warm, fragrant profile makes it ideal for pairing with bananas. Learn more about its background on Wikipedia.

• Cold Butter (cubed): Creates the crumb texture. Use your fingertips or a fork to blend it in—this keeps the streusel chunky and buttery without melting into the batter.

This ingredient lineup matches many quick bread principles found in traditional quick bread recipes, with the extra sweetness and spice of a true coffee cake.

For visual inspiration, explore one bowl dessert ideas that show how these elements come together in fast, no-fuss bakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions (One-Bowl Method)

Making this banana bread coffee cake is quick and beginner-friendly. With just one bowl and a few basic tools, you can prep this recipe in under 15 minutes.

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

• Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. They should have no large lumps.

• Stir in melted butter, mixing until combined.

• Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

• Sprinkle in baking soda, flour, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.

• Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.

Making the Streusel

• In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

• Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingertips.

• The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. If it melts or turns into a paste, chill it briefly before topping.

• Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.

Place in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Need topping ideas? Check out crumb topping recipes for variations with oats, pecans, or chocolate.

Baking Tips and Troubleshooting

• Don’t over-mix the batter. This leads to a tough cake. Stir until the flour just disappears.

• Use ripe bananas. The more brown spots, the sweeter and softer the banana. If needed, you can microwave bananas to ripen quickly.

• Test for doneness with a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—no wet batter.

• Avoid soggy topping by using cold butter. Warm butter melts too fast and blends into the cake.

• Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing so the crumb can set properly.

If your topping disappears during baking, it may have been pressed too hard or the butter was too soft. For a more defined topping, chill it for 5–10 minutes before adding it.

Time-Saving Tips

• Microwave bananas for 30 seconds to soften underripe bananas.

• Use one bowl by adding dry ingredients directly on top of wet before mixing together—fewer dishes, faster cleanup.

• Make streusel ahead and freeze it. Crumb topping stores well for up to 3 months in a ziplock bag.

• Line the pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and no sticking.

• Freeze browned bananas in advance so you always have some on hand for baking.

Browse through banana bread recipes to find other clever tips used by home bakers worldwide.

Easy Variations to Try

Customize your banana bread coffee cake to suit your taste or the season with these simple add-ins and substitutions:

• Add chocolate chips for a banana-chocolate twist.

• Chopped walnuts or pecans give a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.

• Blueberries add juicy bursts of flavor and pair well with banana and cinnamon.

• Swap the vanilla with almond extract for a different depth of flavor.

• Make it dairy-free by using coconut oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter.

• Add a glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finishing touch.

These ideas match well with the creativity you’ll find in coffee cake recipes and seasonal variations online.

Serving Suggestions

This banana coffee cake shines warm or room temperature and fits many different moments of the day:

• Serve at breakfast with hot coffee or cold milk.

• Slice into squares and bring to brunch, potlucks, or bake sales.

• Top with whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a more decadent feel.

• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look before serving guests.

• Add fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries on the side for color and freshness.

It also pairs perfectly with your morning routine, much like the coffee cake traditions popular across Europe and the U.S.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Keep your banana bread coffee cake fresh with these simple storage tips:

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate if you live in a warm climate or want it to last 5–6 days. Just bring to room temperature before serving.

• Freeze individual slices or the entire cake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a ziplock bag or airtight container.

• Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth without drying it out.

Storing baked goods properly keeps them moist and flavorful—especially those based on quick bread foundations.

Why This Is a Perfect Beginner Recipe

This banana bread coffee cake is great for first-time bakers or anyone short on time. Here’s why:

• One bowl means less cleanup and fewer dishes.

• Simple pantry ingredients—nothing fancy required.

• No mixer needed, just a fork or whisk.

• Forgiving batter—ripe bananas help ensure a moist result, even if you slightly overbake.

This recipe matches what’s often found on trending one bowl dessert boards: minimal effort, max reward.

Nutrition Information & Portion Ideas

This cake is rich but balanced. Here’s an estimated nutritional profile per square (based on 9 servings):

• Calories: ~230

• Fat: 10g

• Sugar: 16g

• Carbs: 30g

• Protein: 3g

For lighter options:

• Use less sugar in both batter and topping.

• Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat.

• Replace some butter with unsweetened applesauce.

Portion it into 9 large squares or 12 smaller pieces for snack-size bites. Pair with fruit, coffee, or tea for a complete snack.

FAQs Section

Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread coffee cake?
Yes, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid. They mash well and retain all the flavor.

What makes a coffee cake different from regular cake?
Coffee cakes are usually topped with crumb or streusel, not frosted. They are designed to be eaten with coffee, often at breakfast or brunch.

Can I make banana coffee cake without eggs?
Yes. Replace 1 egg with ¼ cup applesauce, mashed banana, or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

How do I keep the crumb topping from melting into the cake?
Use cold butter and gently press the topping onto the batter without mixing it in. You can also chill the topping briefly before adding.

Can I double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan?
Absolutely. Just bake for 45–50 minutes and check with a toothpick for doneness near the center.

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