Banana Crumb Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is a deliciously moist cake bursting with sweet banana flavor and topped with a crunchy, buttery streusel that adds the perfect touch of texture. It’s the kind of cake that smells amazing while baking – warm bananas, cinnamon, and sugar filling the kitchen with a cozy, welcoming aroma.
I love making this cake for weekend breakfasts or afternoon coffee breaks because it brings a little comfort and sweetness to any day. The streusel topping is my favorite part – it’s crumbly and just the right mix of cinnamon and sugar, giving each bite a lovely crunch. Plus, the bananas keep the cake wonderfully soft and moist, so it never feels heavy or dry.
My favorite way to enjoy this coffee cake is with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and sometimes I’ll even add a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey on top for an extra special treat. It’s a simple recipe that feels special, perfect for sharing with friends or family when you want to show a little love with homemade goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the star here. The riper, the sweeter and softer the cake. If you’re in a pinch, you can use banana puree, but fresh is best.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control saltiness. You can swap for margarine or coconut oil, but expect subtle flavor changes.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: Adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.
Light Brown Sugar: This gives the streusel its rich flavor and moisture. If unavailable, mix white sugar with a bit of molasses or honey.
Flour: All-purpose is best for texture here. For gluten-free, try a blend made for baking, but results may vary.
How Do You Make the Perfect Crumbly Streusel Topping?
The streusel is all about that crumbly texture and sweet-spicy flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix your dry ingredients (flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt) first for even flavor.
- Pour melted butter over and stir gently until crumbs form. Avoid overmixing; you want clumps, not a dough.
- Sprinkle evenly over batter so it bakes into a crunchy crust, not just a thin layer.
- Don’t press it down—loose crumbs give the best texture after baking.
This method guarantees a streusel topping that’s crisp on top and tender beneath, perfectly balancing the soft banana cake.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch bundt or round cake pan – I recommend this size for even baking and easy removal of the cake.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the dry ingredients and making the streusel topping. Use a large one for the batter and a medium one for the topping.
- Hand or stand mixer – makes creaming the butter and sugar simple and quick, but a good arm whisk works too.
- Rubber spatula – helpful for folding ingredients together gently without deflating the batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy is key for balanced sweetness and baking chemistry.
- Toothpick or cake tester – to check if the cake is baked through.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor in the batter or streusel.
- Swirl in a spoonful of Nutella or peanut butter into the batter before baking for a rich twist.
- Add chocolate chips or dried fruit like cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
- Sprinkle a little grated lemon or orange zest into the batter or streusel for a fresh citrus note.
Banana Crumb Coffee Cake With Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce or simple icing drizzle
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-55 minutes to bake. Allow 15 minutes of cooling time before slicing and serving. So, plan for roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a bundt pan or an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture looks light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
5. Add Bananas and Sour Cream:
Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until everything is evenly blended.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mix. Stir gently and just until the flour disappears—be careful not to overmix.
7. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until you get coarse crumbs. Don’t over-mix; the clumps create that perfect crumbly topping.
8. Assemble and Bake:
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping all over the batter.
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the topping is golden and crumbly.
9. Cool and Add Final Touches:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, drizzle caramel sauce or icing over the top before serving for a fancy touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the coffee cake and enjoy it fresh with your favorite coffee or tea. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack anytime!
Can I Use Overripe or Frozen Bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually better for this cake because they’re sweeter and mash easily. If using frozen bananas, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid adding too much moisture.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and will give similar moisture and tang. You can also use regular yogurt or buttermilk, but the texture might be slightly different.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I Make This Coffee Cake Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the batter and streusel topping the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake fresh the next day for the best texture and flavor.
