Coffee Cake Banana Bread: The Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love

Coffee Cake Banana Bread: Prepare to have your breakfast game forever changed! Imagine the moist, comforting sweetness of banana bread swirled together with the crumbly, buttery goodness of coffee cake. It’s a flavor explosion that will have you reaching for a second slice before you’ve even finished the first. This isn’t just another banana bread recipe; it’s a decadent treat that elevates a classic to new heights.

While the exact origins of combining these two beloved baked goods are a bit hazy, the concept itself speaks to our inherent desire for delicious innovation. Banana bread, born out of necessity to use overripe bananas, has become a staple in homes worldwide. Coffee cake, with its rich history in German and Scandinavian baking traditions, offers a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. Marrying these two creates a symphony of tastes that’s both familiar and exciting.

People adore this Coffee Cake Banana Bread for its incredible versatility. It’s perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, a quick and satisfying breakfast on the go, or even a delightful dessert. The moistness of the banana bread, combined with the crunchy, sweet streusel topping, creates a textural masterpiece. Plus, the warm spices and subtle coffee notes make it incredibly comforting and inviting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your baking rotation!

Ingredients:

• For the Banana Bread:
• 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (about 3 medium) mashed ripe bananas
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
• For the Coffee Cake Crumb Topping:
• ½ cup (64g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (½ stick or 57g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• For the Coffee Cake Swirl (Optional, but highly recommended!):
• 2 tablespoons (25g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparing the Banana Bread Batter:

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will prevent the banana bread from sticking and make it easier to remove later. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a good rise and consistent flavor. Set this aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to a tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. So, add about a third of the dry ingredients, then half of the buttermilk, then another third of the dry ingredients, then the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last third of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough banana bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a less tender texture.
6. Fold in Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed bananas until just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage either!

Making the Coffee Cake Crumb Topping:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. The colder the butter, the better the crumb topping will be. If your butter starts to get too soft, pop the bowl into the freezer for a few minutes.

Creating the Coffee Cake Swirl (Optional):

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. This simple mixture adds a delicious swirl of flavor throughout the banana bread.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Layering the Batter: Pour about half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Adding the Swirl: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
3. Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the swirl.
4. Topping it Off: Sprinkle the coffee cake crumb topping evenly over the batter. Make sure to distribute it well so that every slice gets a good amount of crumbly goodness.
5. Baking Time: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
6. Cooling: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from breaking apart while it’s still warm and delicate.

Tips for Success:

• Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect!
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough banana bread. Mix until just combined.
• Use Cold Butter for Crumb Topping: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly topping. If the butter is too soft, the topping will be greasy and won’t have the desired texture.
• Adjust Sugar to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet banana bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Feel free to add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture. About ½ cup to 1 cup is a good amount.
• Storage: Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer bag.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy a slice of this coffee cake banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also delicious toasted with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream.

Variations:

• Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the banana bread batter.
• Nutty Coffee Cake Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the banana bread batter.
• Spiced Coffee Cake Banana Bread: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients for a warmer, spicier flavor.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: For an even richer swirl, mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Swirl this mixture into the batter along with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Banana Bread: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. You may also need to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the texture.

Troubleshooting:

• Banana Bread is Dry: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and don’t overbake the bread.
• Banana Bread is Dense: This could be due to overmixing or not using enough leavening agent (baking soda). Make sure to mix the batter until just combined and use fresh baking soda.
• Crumb Topping is Soggy: This could be due to using butter that is too soft or not baking the bread long enough. Make sure to use cold butter for the crumb topping and bake the bread until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Banana Bread is Burning on Top: If the top of the banana bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Enjoy your delicious Coffee Cake Banana Bread!

Conclusion:

This Coffee Cake Banana Bread isn’t just another recipe; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will transform your breakfast or afternoon snack into a truly special occasion. The moist, tender banana bread base, swirled with a ribbon of cinnamon-spiced crumb topping, creates a delightful contrast that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). It’s the perfect marriage of comfort food and coffee cake indulgence, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates a good bake.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. While it’s absolutely divine served warm with a pat of butter, the possibilities are endless! Imagine slicing it up and serving it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a more decadent dessert. Or, for a truly indulgent treat, try toasting a slice and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

For a brunch gathering, this Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a pot of freshly brewed coffee for a complete and satisfying spread. You can even get creative with variations! Try adding chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist, or incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a hint of nutmeg or cardamom in the crumb topping can elevate the flavor profile even further.

And don’t forget about dietary considerations! This recipe can easily be adapted to suit different needs. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also reduce the sugar content by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Experiment and find what works best for you!

I truly believe that this Coffee Cake Banana Bread will become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of recipe that brings joy to both the baker and the eater.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this Coffee Cake Banana Bread. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do!

And most importantly, I want to hear about your baking adventures! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your photos and feedback in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you loved most about it, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your experiences will not only inspire other bakers but also help me to continue refining and improving this recipe. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see what you create! I am sure that you will love this Coffee Cake Banana Bread.

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