Banana bread has been a beloved classic for many years. It is a delicious treat that is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This Coffee Cake Banana Bread combines the rich flavor of ripe bananas with a sweet crumb topping, giving it a delightful twist. If you love bananas and enjoy a bit of sweet crunch, this recipe is for you. The smell of this cake baking will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water.
This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. You only need some ripe bananas and a few pantry staples to make it. With each slice, you will enjoy a moist and fragrant bread that will make you come back for more. Let’s learn why you should make this delicious Coffee Cake Banana Bread and how to do it.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Coffee Cake Banana Bread. First, it is a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas. Instead of letting them sit and spoil, you can turn them into a tasty snack. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas makes this bread so flavorful and moist.
Second, this recipe is easy to adapt. It doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Most likely, you already have everything you need at home. This is perfect for a last-minute bake when you suddenly need a treat for guests or just want to enjoy something homemade.
Moreover, Coffee Cake Banana Bread is fantastic for sharing. Whether you want to bring it to a potluck, serve it at a birthday party, or enjoy it with your family, it is perfect for any occasion. Its inviting aroma and beautiful appearance always impress.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile. You can serve it in many ways. Enjoy it warm straight out of the oven, or toast it for breakfast. You can also top it with your favorite spreads, like butter or cream cheese. No matter how you serve it, this banana bread is sure to be a hit!
How to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Making Coffee Cake Banana Bread is simple and straightforward. Below is an easy-to-follow guide detailing all the steps to create this delicious treat.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before you start. You will need:
- 3-4 medium or large bananas
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
For the crumb topping:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp cold butter
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, grease two 8×4-inch bread pans with butter or cooking spray. This step helps the bread not stick to the pan.Prepare the Banana Mixture
In a small bowl, peel the bananas and mash them well with a fork. Mix in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. The banana mixture should be smooth and creamy.Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, take the softened butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. After that, crack the eggs into the bowl one by one, mixing well between each addition.Combine the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix just until everything is combined; avoid over-mixing.Add the Sour Cream and Banana Mixture
Stir in the sour cream, followed by the banana mixture. Mix until just combined. Make sure there are no dry pockets of flour left in the batter.Make the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, prepare the crumb topping. Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix these ingredients until they create a crumbly texture.Transfer to Loaf Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the two greased loaf pans. After spreading the batter out, sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the tops.Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pans into the preheated oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the breads to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Coffee Cake Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to enjoy it. For breakfast, serve slices warm with a pat of butter. You can also toast it lightly in a toaster for added crunch.
If you want to be fancy, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a bit of cream cheese for a rich taste. It pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. This combination makes for an excellent afternoon snack or brunch option.
For special occasions or gatherings, consider making mini loaves for guests. Cut the larger bread into thick slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Add fresh fruit like berries or some nuts as a delightful garnish.
How to Store Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Storing your Coffee Cake Banana Bread is easy. If you plan to eat it within a few days, store it at room temperature. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator. This way, it remains good for up to a week. Always cover it properly to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, banana bread can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze the bread for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Tips to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best results.
Don’t Over-Mix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can make the bread tough.
Customize the Recipe: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature. Check for doneness with a toothpick a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
Let It Cool Fully: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps retain moisture and makes cutting easier.
Variation
If you would like to change things up, consider making a nutty version. Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch. You can also use different spices like nutmeg for a warm flavor.
Another variation involves adding chocolate chips. Mixing in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips gives a sweet and rich taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
2. Can I make this recipe as muffins instead?
Absolutely! You can pour the batter into muffin tins and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. How do I know when the banana bread is done?
The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, it needs more time.
By following this guide, you will achieve delicious, moist Coffee Cake Banana Bread that everyone will love. Enjoy baking!
Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two 8x4-inch bread pans with butter or cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, peel the bananas and mash them well with a fork. Mix in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the sour cream and then the banana mixture until just combined, ensuring no dry flour remains.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter using a fork or fingers to create a crumbly texture.
- Divide the batter between the two greased loaf pans and sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the banana bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.