Name: Banana Coffee Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.75 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 0.5 cups granulated sugar; 0.5 cups light brown sugar, packed; 0.33 cups sour cream, room temp; 1 large egg, room temp; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 0.75 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas); 3 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 0.33 cups granulated sugar; 0.33 cups light brown sugar, packed; 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted; 0.5 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk

Introduction to Banana Coffee Cake

Why Banana Coffee Cake is a Perfect Treat for Young Professionals

Are you a young professional always on the go and in need of a quick, satisfying treat? Enter banana coffee cake—a delightful fusion that combines the heartiness of banana bread with the indulgent flavors of a cinnamon coffee cake. This decadent dessert is not only a comforting way to kick-start your day but also a fabulous option for those mid-afternoon slumps at the office.

Imagine this: a moist, fluffy cake swirled with warm cinnamon sugar, topped off with a crunchy crumble. It’s like a cozy hug from your grandmother, instantly making your workday feel brighter. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! With just over an hour of preparation and baking time, you can whip up a batch and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked bananas and cinnamon.

If you're intrigued and wondering how to make this delightful treat, check the full recipe below. Whether you’re looking to impress friends, or simply treat yourself, banana coffee cake is the perfect go-to snack that pairs beautifully with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Share it with coworkers or savor it solo—either way, it's bound to elevate your snack game!

Ingredients for Banana Coffee Cake

Essential Ingredients for the Cake

Creating a delicious banana coffee cake starts with selecting the right ingredients. For this indulgent treat, you'll need:

All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups, which provides the perfect base for a tender crumb.
Baking soda and salt: To add structure and balance flavors.
Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons, melted, for richness.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: Together, they bring the ideal level of sweetness.
Sour cream: ⅓ cup, at room temperature, to contribute moisture and tanginess.
A large egg: This is essential for binding all the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons for that rich, aromatic flavor.
Ripe bananas: Approximately ¾ cup, mashed, providing the key banana taste.

These simple yet effective ingredients will help you whip up a cake that’s moist and bursting with flavor.

Sticky Sweet Additions: Toppings and Icing

What makes this banana coffee cake truly memorable are the delightful toppings! To enhance the cake, you'll want:

Cinnamon sugar: A mix of 3 tablespoons light brown sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, creating a warm, cozy flavor.
Crumble topping: Made from 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, cinnamon, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and ½ cup melted unsalted butter, this adds a crunchy textural contrast.
Icing: A simple mixture of ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk for a sweet drizzle. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try a homemade salted caramel instead?

With these sweet additions, your banana coffee cake will be a showstopper at any gathering!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Banana Coffee Cake

Prepare the Kitchen and Ingredients

Before diving into the delightful process of making your banana coffee cake, it’s essential to set the stage! Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and greasing an 8×8 baking pan. If you line it with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides, this will make it super easy to lift out the cake once it’s cooled. Now, gather all your ingredients — you'll need ripe bananas, various sugars, flour, and of course, butter. Make sure everything is measured out and ready to go. Organization is key, right?

Create the Crumble Topping

The crumble layer is what truly elevates this banana coffee cake. In a bowl, mix together 1 cup and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, and ⅓ cup of packed light brown sugar. After everything is combined, melt your butter and pour it into the mixture. Stir until it resembles wet sand. For the best texture, chill your crumble in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter.

Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step not only combines these elements but also helps aerate the flour, making for a lighter cake. Setting this aside will keep your workspace neat.

Combine Wet Ingredients in a Separate Bowl

Now, let’s move on to the wet ingredients! In a large bowl, combine 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of packed light brown sugar. Once mixed, add in ⅓ cup of sour cream, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ¾ cup of mashed ripe bananas (that’s about 2 medium ones). Whisk until it’s all beautifully blended.

Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients

Next, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Don’t overmix; just combine until you see no dry flour remaining. It’s totally okay if the batter is a bit lumpy; that just means your cake will be extra moist.

Assemble the Cake Layers

Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Mix together 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon, then sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and gently spread it out. Now, it’s time to finish with that yummy crumble topping from earlier — it should crumble easily!

Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and let your cake bake for about 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Drizzle Icing

Once baked, cool your banana coffee cake for about 30-40 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together ½ cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk for a simple icing. Adjust the consistency as needed. Drizzle it over the slightly warm cake, and you’re ready to slice into this delightful treat!

Enjoy your banana coffee cake with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and revel in the sweet flavors of your baking accomplishment!

Variations on Banana Coffee Cake

Nutty Banana Coffee Cake with Walnuts

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts to your banana coffee cake. Not only do they provide texture that beautifully contrasts with the cake's moistness, but they also offer rich, nutty flavors that pair wonderfully with the sweet bananas. You can sprinkle them on top of the crumble or fold them into the batter for an even distribution. If you’re looking for a heartier snack, using walnuts is an excellent way to boost the nutritional profile of your cake.

Vegan Banana Coffee Cake Alternative

Looking for a plant-based option? You can easily adapt this banana coffee cake recipe to be vegan! Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water works well) and switch the sour cream for unsweetened applesauce. For the butter, vegan options like coconut oil or a plant-based butter can be used. With these substitutions, you can still savor a buttery texture and delicious flavor, making it a hit even for those who aren’t strictly vegan.

For more vegan baking ideas, check out Minimalist Baker.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Banana Coffee Cake

Tips for Perfectly Ripe Bananas

To achieve that ideal sweetness in your banana coffee cake, choose bananas that are fully ripened—look for ones with lots of brown spots. Not only do they add moisture, but they also enhance the overall flavor. If you’re short on time, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag; they’ll be ready in a day or two!

Storing Leftovers for Freshness

Once your banana coffee cake has cooled, keep it fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It can last up to three days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator, ensuring that each slice remains as delightful as the first. If you prefer, you can freeze individual slices for a quick indulgence later on!

For more insight, consider checking out The Kitchn's guide to banana ripening or Food Network’s tips on baked goods storage.

Serving Suggestions for Banana Coffee Cake

Pairing with Coffee or Tea

Enjoy your banana coffee cake alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the perfect morning or afternoon boost. The cake's delightful sweetness and spiced notes pair beautifully with a smooth latte or even a robust black tea. Try adding a splash of flavored creamer to your coffee for an extra layer of richness. If you prefer herbal tea, chamomile or chai adds a lovely balance to the cake’s flavors.

Presentation Ideas for a Gathering

When hosting friends or family, elevate your banana coffee cake by serving it on a beautiful cake stand, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with homemade salted caramel. Adding fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the cake's flavor. You can also offer small plates with colorful napkins to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. For a more personalized touch, consider pairing it with a selection of gourmet coffees or teas as a delightful centerpiece for your gathering.

Time Breakdown for Banana Coffee Cake

Preparation Time

Getting started with your delicious banana coffee cake takes just about 20 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and whipping up that delightful batter along with the crumble topping.

Baking Time

Once you've prepped everything, pop your cake into the oven for 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Cooling Time

Don't forget to allow the cake to cool for 30-40 minutes after baking. This step is crucial, as it helps the flavors meld together and makes for easier slicing. Enjoy the delightful aroma while you wait!

Nutritional Facts for Banana Coffee Cake

Calories per Slice

With approximately 200 calories per slice, this banana coffee cake offers a delightful treat without going overboard. Perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee or as a light afternoon snack, you can indulge without the guilt.

Protein Content

Each slice of this delicious cake contains around 3 grams of protein. While it’s not a protein powerhouse, pairing it with a protein-rich side like Greek yogurt can create a balanced snack or breakfast.

Sugar Levels

This banana coffee cake has about 10 grams of sugar per slice. While it's sweetened primarily with sugars, the natural sweetness from ripe bananas adds flavor without excessive sugars. Just be mindful if you're keeping an eye on your daily sugar intake!

For a deeper dive into healthy eating, visit EatRight.org for tips from registered dietitians.

FAQ about Banana Coffee Cake

Can I Substitute Ingredients in this Recipe?

Absolutely! The banana coffee cake recipe is quite flexible. You can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a healthier option. If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt works just as well. For a dairy-free version, try substituting melted coconut oil for butter and almond milk for the milk in the icing. These swaps won’t compromise the cake’s deliciousness!

What is the Best Way to Store Banana Coffee Cake?

To keep your banana coffee cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it for about a week or freezing it for up to three months. Just make sure to slice it first to thaw only what you need later!

How Can I Make Banana Coffee Cake Healthier?

You can enhance the healthiness of your banana coffee cake by reducing sugar and using ripe bananas for natural sweetness. Adding nuts or seeds increases fiber and healthy fats. For more ideas, check out sources like Healthline or ChooseMyPlate.gov for balanced ingredient swaps that suit your dietary preferences.

Conclusion on Banana Coffee Cake

Celebrating Homemade Goodness with a Slice of Joy

In wrapping up our exploration of banana coffee cake, it's clear this delightful treat is perfect for any occasion. The moist banana base, complemented by a cinnamon swirl and crumbly topping, delivers a slice of joy. Share it with friends or enjoy it solo—either way, you’ll appreciate the warmth of homemade goodness. For more delicious baked goods, check out my favorite dessert recipes.