There’s something wonderful about the way the aromas of banana bread blend with a hint of cinnamon and sugar, evoking memories of cozy kitchens and warm family gatherings. Coffee Cake Banana Bread is the best of both worlds—a delightful hybrid that marries the moist, rich texture of banana bread with the comforting sweetness of coffee cake. Perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why you’ll love this dish
Not only is Coffee Cake Banana Bread an absolute crowd-pleaser, but it also comes with a surprise: it’s incredibly simple to whip up! You can easily make this recipe on a leisurely weekend morning or as a last-minute treat for unexpected guests. With ingredients that are often already in your pantry, it proves to be a budget-friendly option too.
"I made this for brunch, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone loved the cinnamon topping." – Happy Baker
Whether hosting a family gathering or just indulging yourself, this dish adds a touch of joy to any occasion.
Step-by-step overview
Creating this delightful Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a breeze. You’ll start by blending ripe bananas with other simple ingredients to create a batter that’s just the right consistency. Then, the magic happens when you layer in a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping that bakes into a crispy, crunchy crust. Before you know it, your kitchen will smell like a bakery, and you’ll have a scrumptious loaf ready to enjoy!
What you’ll need
To make this delicious Coffee Cake Banana Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Feel free to substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option or use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix in the melted butter until combined.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the baking soda and salt, mixing thoroughly.
- Gradually fold in the flour until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon to create the topping mixture.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining banana bread batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
Enjoy your Coffee Cake Banana Bread warm, fresh from the oven, or at room temperature. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For an indulgent breakfast, consider adding a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey on top. Feel free to toast individual slices to achieve that perfect crispy texture!
Storage and reheating tips
To store your Coffee Cake Banana Bread, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing slices for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying again—or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick reheat!
Helpful cooking tips
- Ensure your bananas are perfectly ripe for the best flavor and moisture. The more speckles, the better!
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon topping; it caramelizes beautifully in the oven, providing a lovely crunch that contrasts with the soft banana bread underneath.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with your Coffee Cake Banana Bread! You can try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate banana variation or substitute vanilla with almond extract for a nutty hint. Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to infuse your loaf with unique flavors. Top with a glaze or frosting for a dessert-like feel, or mix in fruit such as blueberries for a fruity twist!
Your questions answered
- How long does it take to prepare? The prep time for this recipe is about 15 minutes, and baking takes around 60 minutes.
- What if I don’t have ripe bananas? If your bananas aren’t ripe, place them in a paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process, or bake unpeeled bananas in a 300°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until they turn black.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour alternative to enjoy this recipe without gluten.
With its simple ingredients and delightful flavors, Coffee Cake Banana Bread is sure to become a go-to in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pieces ripe bananas Ensure bananas are perfectly ripe for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup melted butter Can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 piece egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier twist.
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon Provides a crunchy topping that contrasts with the soft banana bread.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix in the melted butter until combined.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the baking soda and salt, mixing thoroughly.
- Gradually fold in the flour until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
Cinnamon Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon to create the topping mixture.
Assembly and Baking
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining banana bread batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.