If you love the sweet comfort of banana bread and can’t resist a crumbly cinnamon coffee cake, get ready—Coffee Cake Banana Bread is about to become your new go-to treat. This loaf combines everything glorious about both classics: moist, banana-rich crumb, a buttery cinnamon swirl, and a golden-brown streusel top that’s pure bakery bliss. Whether you slice it warm for breakfast or share it for an afternoon snack, each bite is like a cozy hug in cake form. Let’s dive into this delicious mashup that your friends and family will beg you to make over and over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Coffee Cake Banana Bread is quick and straightforward. Each item on this list has an essential job: from adding signature moisture and flavor to creating that signature crumbly, cinnamon-streusel top.
- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better—they bring natural sweetness and unbeatable moisture.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Delivers rich, buttery flavor and a tender crumb.
- Large Eggs: Act as the structural base for the bread, holding everything together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: A subtle background note that deepens overall flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the bananas.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the banana bread its soft, yet sturdy base.
- Baking Soda: Ensures a lovely rise for a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, making the bread invitingly aromatic.
- Brown Sugar (streusel): Provides deep, caramel notes for that bakery-style topping.
- Granulated Sugar (streusel): Gives the streusel an extra crunchy bite.
- All-Purpose Flour (streusel): Helps bind the crumb topping together.
- Ground Cinnamon (streusel): Layers in more sweet spice for a classic coffee cake vibe.
- Cold Butter (cut into pieces, streusel): Creates nubbly, crunchy bits throughout the crumbly topping.
How to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
First things first: set your oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Giving attention to this step ensures your Coffee Cake Banana Bread comes out cleanly and bakes evenly—no sticking, just easy release!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and sugar until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and glossy. This mash-up is your flavor foundation, turning overripe bananas into pure gold.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This keeps your leavening even throughout and ensures every bite has just the right hint of warmth and spice.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet, stirring gently. Don’t overmix—a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. This step guarantees your Coffee Cake Banana Bread stays tender and never dense.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, blend the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Work in the cold butter with a fork or your fingers until you have a crumbly, nubby mixture. These little flavor bombs melt into sweet cinnamon pockets as the bread bakes.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half your banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, then scatter half the streusel over it. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel. This layered approach creates beautiful, bakery-worthy swirls—every slice is marbled with cinnamon crunch.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are OK). Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then set the loaf on a wire rack to finish cooling. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a dreamy finish, or dot each slice with a pat of soft butter that melts right in. For those who love a little extra texture, a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top turns every bite into something truly special.
Side Dishes
A thick slice of this bread pairs perfectly with a mug of hot coffee (naturally!), but don’t overlook pairing options like creamy Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. It’s equally fabulous as part of a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your loaf into small squares for a bite-sized brunch treat, or turn slices into a grilled banana bread “sandwich” with sweetened cream cheese filling. Coffee Cake Banana Bread also looks stunning when baked as muffins and nestled into a linen-lined basket for sharing at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Coffee Cake Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 3 days, staying moist and fragrant the whole time.
Freezing
Banana bread freezes like a dream! Let your loaf cool completely, then wrap it in plastic and a layer of foil (or use an airtight freezer bag). Frozen, it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a slice, let it thaw at room temp or pop a piece in the toaster.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that just-baked warmth. If you want to crisp up the top, toast a slice under the broiler for a minute or two—your kitchen will smell amazing all over again!
FAQs
Can I make Coffee Cake Banana Bread with gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour, and you’ll get a deliciously tender result. Just be sure to check your streusel consistency, as some blends may be more absorbent.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
If you’re short on ripe bananas, pop unpeeled bananas in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes. They’ll darken and soften up, giving you sweet banana flavor in a flash.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
You can sprinkle up to 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips into the batter or streusel for extra crunch (or a little chocolate surprise). The bread is wonderfully versatile!
Can I make this Coffee Cake Banana Bread recipe as muffins?
Definitely! Scoop the batter into muffin tins, layering streusel as you go, and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. They’re perfect for breakfast on the go or sharing with friends.
How do I know when Coffee Cake Banana Bread is done?
Look for a deep golden top and use the toothpick test: insert it in the center and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. Resist the urge to open the oven too early—it can sink if disturbed before it’s set.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the cinnamon-scented swirl, the buttery streusel, and the moist banana crumb of Coffee Cake Banana Bread. It’s the kind of recipe that brings comfort and smiles in every slice. Whether you serve it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, give this unforgettable loaf a try—I promise it will quickly earn a spot in your baking rotation!
Print
Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 to 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of coffee cake and banana bread with this scrumptious recipe that features a moist banana-infused loaf topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel.
Ingredients
Main Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually stir into wet mixture until just combined.
- Prepare streusel: Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Layer and bake: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle with half of the streusel, add remaining batter, and finish with remaining streusel. Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- This recipe is best with overripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.
- For extra texture, stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or streusel.
- Pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
