Spiced Banana Coffee Cake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our incredibly Easy Banana Coffee Cake recipe! This delightful treat combines the irresistible flavors of classic banana bread with the cozy charm of a traditional coffee cake. Featuring a moist, tender banana cake base, a sweet, buttery streusel crumble topping, and a delicate vanilla glaze, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee, a leisurely brunch, or an anytime snack. Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated dessert that promises a burst of natural banana goodness in every single bite.

Each forkful of this homemade Banana Coffee Cake offers an exquisite balance of rich banana flavor and a wonderfully moist, tender texture. The crunchy, sweet streusel crumb topping adds a delightful contrast, providing a pleasant chewiness and a hint of cinnamon spice. A simple powdered sugar glaze provides a touch of extra sweetness and a beautiful finish, making this cake not only delicious but also visually appealing. This recipe is designed for convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or when you need a quick yet impressive dessert. You can even prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and freeing up your time to savor those precious moments with family and friends.

If you’re a fan of comforting brunch dishes and sweet baked goods, you’ll adore this recipe alongside other favorites like our Easy Blueberry Coffee Cake and the indulgent Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. For those who can’t get enough of banana-infused treats, explore our comprehensive collection of the Best Banana Dessert Recipes, including delightful Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars and the surprisingly simple Crazy Banana Cake. This banana coffee cake truly stands out as a versatile and beloved addition to any home baker’s repertoire, guaranteeing smiles with every serving.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Coffee Cake

There are countless reasons why this Banana Coffee Cake quickly becomes a family favorite and a go-to recipe for any occasion. Its delightful simplicity, combined with its incredible flavor profile and comforting aroma, makes it a true winner in any kitchen. Here’s a closer look at why we absolutely adore this recipe, and why we think you will too:

• Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You won’t need to search for obscure items at the grocery store. This recipe proudly calls for common baking staples that you likely already have on hand, such as all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, butter, baking soda, and, of course, a handful of those perfectly ripe bananas. This makes it incredibly convenient to whip up whenever a sweet craving strikes or unexpected guests pop in.
• Irresistible Banana Flavor: Much like your favorite banana bread, this coffee cake is profoundly packed with authentic, sweet, and comforting banana taste. The judicious use of very ripe bananas is the secret to achieving this deep, natural sweetness and ensuring a wonderfully moist texture, truly setting it apart from other coffee cake varieties.
• Effortless Preparation: From the initial mixing of ingredients to the final glazing, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and forgiving. Even novice bakers will find the steps easy to follow, consistently resulting in a beautiful, delicious cake every time. The satisfaction of baking something so delightful with minimal fuss is truly rewarding.
• Perfect for Overripe Bananas: Don’t ever throw away those brown-speckled bananas again! This recipe is their ultimate destiny. Overripe bananas are not only sweeter but also softer and easier to mash, lending unparalleled moisture and an intense, concentrated banana flavor to your coffee cake. It’s a fantastic and delicious way to prevent food waste while creating something extraordinary.
• Versatile for Any Time of Day: While traditionally named “coffee cake,” this delightful treat isn’t exclusively reserved for breakfast or brunch. It’s equally wonderful as a mid-morning snack with a cup of tea, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a light, comforting dessert after dinner. Its warm, comforting flavors make it suitable for any time you desire a sweet indulgence.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crumble Topping and Glaze: The buttery, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of warm, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the soft, moist cake. A simple yet elegant drizzle of vanilla glaze provides a sweet, aesthetically pleasing finish, making the cake look as appealing as it tastes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: One of the best qualities of this coffee cake is that it often tastes even better the day after it’s baked, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping breakfast or brunch for a special occasion, allowing you to enjoy your event without any last-minute baking stress.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a quiet moment, preparing for a festive family gathering, or simply want to fill your home with the comforting and inviting aroma of freshly baked goods, this Banana Coffee Cake is sure to become a cherished and frequently requested recipe in your culinary collection.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Bake

Crafting this delicious Banana Coffee Cake starts with a thoughtful selection of simple, readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the moist texture, rich flavor, and irresistible crumb topping that makes this recipe so incredibly special. Gathering all your ingredients before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process, preventing any last-minute searches. Here’s a comprehensive look at what you’ll need, along with a brief explanation of each ingredient’s purpose:

For the Moist Banana Coffee Cake Base:

• All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental structural component of our cake. Ensuring you measure it correctly (spoon and level method) is vital to avoid a dense or dry cake.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These two leavening agents work in harmony to give the coffee cake its perfect rise, light crumb, and tender texture. Baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream and bananas, while baking powder provides additional lift.
• Salt: A small but mighty ingredient, salt plays a critical role in balancing the sweetness of the cake and enhancing all the delightful flavors, making them pop.
• Unsalted Butter (softened): Provides essential richness, tenderness, and moisture to the cake. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air and contributing to a light, airy batter.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and also helps create a wonderfully tender texture by interfering with gluten development.
• Sour Cream: This is truly a secret weapon for moisture and a slight tang that beautifully complements the banana flavor. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda, ensuring an incredibly tender and velvety crumb.
• Large Egg (room temperature): Acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together and providing structure to the cake. Using a room temperature egg allows it to emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake with its warm, aromatic, and comforting notes, adding depth to the banana and cinnamon.
• Very Ripe Bananas (mashed): The undisputed star of the show! Overripe bananas (those with abundant brown spots and even some black areas on their peel) are absolutely essential for achieving the most intense banana flavor and natural sweetness, making the cake unbelievably moist and fragrant.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, inviting spice that pairs perfectly with the sweet banana, creating a classic, comforting flavor combination.

For the Irresistible Crumb Topping:

The streusel topping is what truly elevates this banana cake into a coffee cake, providing a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of deliciousness.

• Unsalted Butter (melted): Helps bind the dry ingredients together, forming those delectable, buttery crumbs that bake up golden and crisp.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the bulk of the crumb mixture, giving it structure and body.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the slight crispness and golden caramelization of the topping.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes a deeper, molasses-rich sweetness and a subtle chewiness to the streusel, enhancing its comfort food appeal.
• Ground Cinnamon: A generous amount of cinnamon in the topping amplifies its comforting aroma and adds a warm, spicy note that beautifully complements the banana cake beneath.

For the Simple Vanilla Glaze:

A final touch that adds both sweetness and a polished look to your finished coffee cake.

• Powdered Sugar: The essential base for a smooth, lump-free, and sweet glaze. Also known as confectioners’ sugar.
• Milk: Used to thin the powdered sugar to your desired consistency. You can use any type of milk you prefer, from whole milk for a richer glaze to almond milk for a dairy-free option.

With these ingredients prepped and ready, you’re all set to embark on a delightful baking adventure that culminates in a truly spectacular Banana Coffee Cake!

Easy Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Creating this delicious Banana Coffee Cake is simpler than you might think! Follow these detailed, easy-to-understand instructions to ensure a perfectly moist cake with a delightful, golden crumb topping and a sweet vanilla glaze. Remember, careful preparation at each stage is key for a stress-free baking experience and outstanding results.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Cream Wet Ingredients. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish; this ensures your cake won’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, using either a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is visibly light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which is crucial for achieving a tender and airy cake texture.

Step 2: Incorporate Banana and Remaining Wet Ingredients. To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the mashed very ripe bananas, the room temperature large egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly on low speed until all these wet ingredients are well combined and appear smooth. It’s important to ensure there are no large lumps of banana remaining for an even texture throughout the finished cake.

Step 3: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients, ensuring the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step prevents lumps in the final batter and ensures a consistent rise and flavor in your cake.

Step 4: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Mix on the lowest speed of your electric mixer, or ideally, fold them in gently by hand with a rubber spatula, just until the ingredients are combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough, dense, and dry cake. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly normal and acceptable.

Step 5: Transfer Batter to Baking Dish. Carefully pour the prepared coffee cake batter evenly into your greased and floured 9×13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter out to all corners of the pan, ensuring an even layer for consistent baking and a uniform cake thickness.

Step 6: Prepare the Crumb Topping. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once the butter is fully melted, add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly with a fork until the mixture forms coarse, distinct crumbs. This creates the signature streusel topping that will add a delightful texture and an extra layer of flavor to your cake.

Step 7: Add Crumb Topping to Cake. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping mixture over the banana cake batter in the pan. Distribute it gently across the entire surface, ensuring every slice gets a generous amount of that delicious, buttery streusel. For a more cohesive topping, you can gently press the crumbs down slightly.

Step 8: Bake the Coffee Cake. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so watch for cues. The cake is perfectly baked when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and the streusel topping should appear bubbly and slightly crisp. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack while you prepare the glaze.

Step 9: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze. While the coffee cake is cooling, prepare your simple yet delicious vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add more milk, a tiny bit (half a teaspoon) at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker, more opaque glaze, you can add a touch more powdered sugar.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve. Once the coffee cake has cooled completely (or at least significantly, so it’s only slightly warm), drizzle the prepared vanilla glaze evenly over the top. Cooling the cake before glazing is essential to prevent the glaze from melting and soaking into the cake. Instead, it will set nicely, forming a beautiful, opaque layer. Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful homemade treat!

Following these comprehensive steps will ensure your Banana Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, delivering that classic comfort food experience everyone loves and making you feel like a star baker!

Expert Baking Tips for Success

Achieving a perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured Banana Coffee Cake is easy with a few simple yet crucial techniques. Keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your baking experience is smooth, enjoyable, and the results are consistently delicious enough to impress even the most discerning palates:

• Measure Flour Accurately: This is arguably one of the most critical steps in all baking. Instead of scooping flour directly with your measuring cup (which can compact it), gently spoon the flour into the measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then level it off with the back of a straight edge or knife. Scooping can add up to 25% too much flour, leading to a dry, dense, and tough cake rather than a tender one.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix only until they are just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough, chewy cake rather than the desirable light and tender crumb. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly acceptable and indicate you haven’t overmixed. Mixing by hand with a rubber spatula is often the best way to prevent this common baking pitfall.
• Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the better the cake will be! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots and even some black areas on their peel. These bananas are naturally sweeter, softer, and more aromatic, making them easier to mash and imparting a more intense, concentrated banana flavor and superior moisture to the cake. Under-ripe bananas will result in a less flavorful and potentially drier cake.
• Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: It’s important that your butter, egg, and sour cream are all at room temperature before you begin mixing. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, meaning they combine more smoothly and uniformly into the batter. This creates a more consistent batter, which in turn leads to a finer crumb, better texture, and a more even bake. If your butter isn’t soft enough, you can cut it into small pieces and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, or gently microwave for a few seconds.
• Don’t Skimp on the Crumb Topping: The streusel topping is a signature and beloved element of any good coffee cake. Make sure to sprinkle it evenly over the entire surface of the batter, reaching all the way to the edges of the pan. For an extra boost of crunch and flavor, you can even gently press some of the crumbs into the batter before baking.
• Check for Doneness Carefully: Use the classic toothpick test to accurately determine when your cake is perfectly baked. Insert a wooden toothpick into the very center of the cake; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes (checking every 2-3 minutes) and test again. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently, especially during the first 20 minutes, as this can cause the cake to sink.
• Cool Before Glazing: Always allow the coffee cake to cool completely, or at least significantly, on a wire rack before drizzling with the glaze. If the cake is too warm, the glaze will melt, become too thin, and soak directly into the cake, disappearing instead of forming a beautiful, opaque, and set layer on top. Patience here will be rewarded!
• Pan Size Matters: Using the specified 9×13 inch baking dish is important for the correct baking time and overall cake structure. If you use a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker, potentially requiring a longer baking time and risking a dry exterior. A larger pan might result in a thinner cake that bakes too quickly and lacks adequate moisture.

By diligently following these simple yet highly effective tips, you’re well on your way to baking a Banana Coffee Cake that will not only taste incredible but will also impress everyone with its perfect texture and irresistible presentation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about baking, storing, and enjoying this delightful Banana Coffee Cake, along with helpful answers to ensure your success in the kitchen:

Delicious Variations to Try

While this Banana Coffee Cake recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures. Here are a few exciting variations you might like to try:

• Nutty Banana Coffee Cake: For an added crunch and earthy flavor, fold in ½ to 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter along with the mashed bananas. These nuts complement the banana and cinnamon beautifully.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Coffee Cake: Who can resist chocolate? Stir in ½ to 1 cup of mini or regular chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white chocolate work well) into the batter for a delightful chocolatey twist.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: For an extra decadent touch, prepare a simple cream cheese swirl. Beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk until smooth. Dollop spoonfuls over the cake batter in the pan, then swirl gently with a knife before adding the streusel.
• Spiced Glaze: Elevate your glaze by adding a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the powdered sugar and milk mixture. This subtle spice will enhance the overall warmth of the cake.
• Coconut Banana Coffee Cake: Fold ½ cup of shredded coconut into the batter, or sprinkle it over the streusel topping before baking, for a tropical flair.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This Banana Coffee Cake is delightful whether served warm or at room temperature, making it incredibly flexible for various occasions. Here are some tips to enjoy your cake to the fullest:

• Serving Ideas: Enjoy a slice on its own with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more indulgent dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also a fantastic addition to any brunch spread.
• Garnishes: A sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a few banana slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the presentation.
• Reheating: If you prefer your coffee cake warm, individual slices can be gently reheated in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or in a toaster oven until warmed through.
• Room Temperature Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain its moisture and prevents it from drying out.
• Refrigeration: For a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Ensure it’s fully cooled before placing it in the fridge.
• Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake (unglazed is often best, but glazed works too) tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight or gently reheat as needed.

More Irresistible Banana Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet, comforting flavor of bananas in this coffee cake, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic banana dessert recipes from our collection. Each one offers a unique and delicious way to enjoy this beloved fruit:

• Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe
• Easy Moist Banana Cake Recipe
• Banana Bundt Cake Recipe
• Banana Pudding Poke Cake
• Banana Bread Brownies
• Brown Sugar Banana Bread

We are incredibly excited for you to try this delightful Easy Banana Coffee Cake recipe! It’s a true celebration of comforting flavors, simple ingredients, and easy baking that yields spectacular results. Once you’ve had a chance to bake and enjoy it, please come back and share your experience by leaving a comment and a star recipe rating. Your feedback helps us improve and inspires countless others in our community to try these wonderful, cherished recipes!

Banana Coffee Cake

Banana Coffee Cake is an easy treat for breakfast, brunch or a delicious snack. It has all the flavors of Banana Breadin a delightful coffee cake recipe with crumble topping and glaze.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Servings: 16

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

Calories: 303 kcal

Author: Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

For the Coffee Cake:

• 1 ½ cup All Purpose Flour
• ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ¾ cup Unsalted Butter softened
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• 3 Tablespoons Sour Cream
• 1 Large Egg room temperature
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 3 Very Ripe Bananas mashed
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping:

• ⅓ cup Unsalted Butter melted
• 1 ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
• ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar
• ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup Powdered Sugar
• 1-2 Tablespoons Milk

Instructions

For the Coffee Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Mix together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the mashed bananas, egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; mixing by hand is recommended to ensure a tender cake.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

For the Crumb Topping:

1. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe mixing bowl.
2. Stir in the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until coarse crumbs form.
3. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly on top of the batter in the pan.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with only moist crumbs attached.
5. After baking, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before topping with the glaze.

For the Glaze:

1. While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl. Add more milk, a tiny bit at a time, until the glaze reaches your preferred drizzling consistency.
2. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake.
3. The cake is then ready to slice, serve, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Store leftover Banana Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Ensure the cake is completely cool before storing.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 303kcal

Carbohydrates: 44g

Protein: 3g

Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 8g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

Monounsaturated Fat: 3g

Trans Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 45mg

Sodium: 129mg

Potassium: 122mg

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 25g

Vitamin A: 429IU

Vitamin C: 2mg

Calcium: 26mg

Iron: 1mg