• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Salads Soups and Sweets logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plan
  • About Me
  • Shop
    • 3 Best Soups for Fall
  • Free Resources
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plan
  • About Me
  • Shop
    • 3 Best Soups for Fall
  • Free Resources
  • Contact
×
Home » Recipes

Published: Apr 8, 2024 by Natalie Booras · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

Banana Coffee Cake Recipe with Streusel Topping

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Today, I have a story for you about how I created this Banana Coffee Cake Recipe with Streusel Topping.

A piece of banana coffee cake on a cutting board sitting on a piece of white parchment paper. Crumbs of the coffee cake are scattered on the parchment and slices of fresh banana are on the cutting board.

When we first moved into our home, a long-time resident of the subdivision brought over a warm loaf of banana bread. And after devouring just one slice, I asked her for the recipe, and she kindly obliged. Her recipe became my "go-to" for making banana bread whenever I had overripe bananas.

It's so good that it made me wonder how it would be if I made a banana coffee cake recipe using her recipe as a starting point. And that's how this Banana Coffee Cake Recipe came to be.

A serving of coffee cake, garnished with fresh sliced bananas, and drizzled with vanilla glaze.

This Banana Coffee Cake perfectly balances sweet banana flavor and warm cinnamon notes. The crumbly streusel topping adds a satisfying crunch to every bite, while the moist cake base keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

If you have a bunch of bananas that are starting to get black spots and need to be used, there are so many recipes that you might like, including my 3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies, Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese, or a quick and easy banana Bread Recipe with Pancake Mix. 

Why You'll Love This Banana Bread Coffee Cake

  • Authentic Bakery Flavor - This banana coffee cake recipe captures the essence of irresistible bakery-style treats, delivering a moist and flavorful crumb. The banana flavor isn't overpowering; adding the streusel layer gives the cake a cinnamon swirl. 
  • Easy to Make - Although this might be one of the best coffee cake recipes I've made, it's so easy to make and uses pantry staple items that you probably already have, eliminating a trip to the grocery store.
  • It's One of My Favorite Breakfast Treats -This cake is a perfect blend of moist banana bread and tender coffee cake, topped with a buttery streusel crumb that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Whether you're enjoying a slice alongside your morning coffee or serving it as a sweet treat for brunch, this easy recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.

Banana Coffee Cake vs. Banana Bread

While both banana coffee cake and banana bread feature ripe, mashed bananas as a key ingredient and can feature a streusel topping, they differ mainly in texture. When you slice a loaf of banana bread, the pieces have a dense, uniform texture. It's moist but has a firm structure and doesn't crumble easily. Banana coffee cake typically has a tender and moist crumb, similar to traditional coffee cake. Like this recipe, it may incorporate ingredients like sour cream or yogurt to achieve this texture. 

For me, I love making the coffee cake version when I am hosting company because then I can cut uniform pieces that can be served. Banana bread just seems more casual to me because we often grab a slice for a snack on the go.

The banana coffee cake on a cutting board cut into individual pieces.

Substitutions

  • Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a similar tangy flavor and moisture. However, sour cream has a higher fat content, so the coffee cake won't be as moist when using Greek yogurt.
  • Dark Brown Sugar can be used in place of light brown sugar. The bread will have a more caramel-flavored profile.
  • Vanilla Extract can be used in place of the vanilla bean paste.

Variations

  • Chopped Nuts - Like a loaf of banana bread, chopped nuts can be added to this easy banana coffee cake. 
  • Chocolate Chips - Stir a handful or two to twist this tender banana cake. I love the combination of chocolate and banana!

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make the Banana Coffee Cake include: ripe bananas, butter, flour, eggs, milk, granulated sugar, salt, sour cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean paste, baking soda, brown sugar, powdered sugar and ground cinnamon.

*For specific ingredient amounts, please scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.

How to Make This Banana Crumb Cake Recipe

Step 1. Make The Batter. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 9” x 9” with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Set aside. Combine butter, sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer.   Sift the flour, soda, and salt together in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix. The batter will be very thick. Add two large bananas, sour cream, and vanilla bean paste, and mix until combined. Set aside.

A mixing bowl with sugar, butter and eggs in it, ready to be combined with an electric mixer.
The mixing bowl with dry ingredients added to the wet ingredients.
Banana, vanilla bean extract and sour cream added to the mixing bowl and being incorporated into the batter.
The batter for the banana bread coffee cake ready to be poured into the pan.

Step 2. Make the Crumble Topping. Add sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cubed butter to a medium bowl and combine with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3. Add it to the Pan. Pour about half of the banana cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it into a thin, even layer, spreading it to the sides of the pan with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle about half of the crumb mixture on top of the batter. Use a large spoon to place dollops of the remaining batter on top, and then spread it into a thin layer. It’s okay if some of the streusel pokes through. Top with the remaining streusel. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Pouring the batter from the mixing bowl into a 9" x 9" pan lined with parchment paper.
The first layer of cake batter spread evenly in a pan.
The banana coffee cake batter in a pan with the streusel topping before baking.
The banana coffee cake batter in a pan with the streusel topping after baking.

Step 4. Add the Glaze. Cool the coffee cake completely before adding the glaze. To make the glaze whisk the powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl until smooth. You can add more milk to achieve the desired consistency. Drizzle over cut pieces of coffee cake right before serving.

    Storage and Freezing

    To keep your coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. 

    To freeze this cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight freezer bag or storage container. You can also wrap slices individually so they can be thawed for an on-the-go, perfect breakfast. Thaw at room temperature.

    A piece of banana coffee cake with glaze, served on a plate with a bite taken out of the nearest corner to show the inside tender and moist crumb texture of the cake.

    Pro Tip

    I find that it's easier to add the large bananas to the mixing bowl and use the electric mixer to mash them instead of mashing them first. It saves a step.

    When making the streusel topping, it’s crucial to use cold, cubed butter. This ensures that the mixture retains its crumbly texture during baking, resulting in those irresistible large crumbs we all love. Trust me, it's the secret to achieving the perfect crumb topping every time!

    Notes/FAQs

    What are the best bananas to use in this recipe?

    This coffee cake is a great way to use those brown bananas on your counter. Even those just beginning to have some brown spots are good for this recipe. They have developed more natural sugar and are sweeter than those without the browning. Additionally, mashed bananas are equally important. Making sure they're well blended allows them to release the sweetness into the batter.

    Can I use a different type of pan if I don't have a 9" x 9" square pan?

    Yes. You can bake this coffee cake in an 8" x 8" pan. The baking time will be slightly longer due to the cake being a little thicker. I haven't tested this recipe in a bundt or tube pan.

    Can I use melted butter for the streusel topping instead of cold butter?

    While melted butter might seem like a convenient shortcut, it won’t yield the same crumbly texture as cold butter. I have used melted butter before and it blends into the batter more. Cold butter tends to create a streusel that stays on top of the cake.

    How can I prevent the streusel topping from burning during baking?

    Although I've never had this problem, if your topping starts to get brown and there still is quite a bit of baking time left, you can lay a piece of aluminum foil gently over the top to prevent it from burning. Make sure you position the coffee cake in the center of your oven so that it's not too close to the heat source.

    Can I use this recipe to make coffee cake muffins instead of a full cake?

    Absolutely! Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners or spray with baking spray. Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, sprinkle with streusel topping, and bake at the same temperature for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

    ​

    A piece of Banana Coffee Cake on a white plate drizzled with a powdered sugar glaze.

    Banana Coffee Cake Recipe

    This cake is a perfect blend of moist banana bread and tender coffee cake, topped with a buttery streusel crumb that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Whether you're enjoying a slice alongside your morning coffee or serving it as a sweet treat for brunch, this easy recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course breakfast, dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 265 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • Pastry Cutter
    • Electric Mixer
    • 9" x 9" pan
    • parchment paper
    • Whisk
    • Sifter

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup unsalted butter room temp
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 large bananas (*see notes)
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

    Streusel Topping

    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter COLD and cubed

    Glaze

    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 Tablespoon milk

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 9” x 9” with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
    • Combine butter, sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer.
    • Sift the flour, soda, and salt together in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix. The batter will be very thick.
    • Add two large bananas, sour cream, and vanilla bean paste and mix until combined. Set aside.
    • To make the crumble topping, add sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cubed butter to a medium bowl and combine with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
    • Pour about half of the banana cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it into a thin, even layer, spreading it to the sides of the pan with a rubber spatula.
    • Sprinkle about half of the crumb mixture on top of the batter.
    • Use a large spoon to place dollops of the remaining batter on top, and then spread it into a thin layer. It’s okay if some of the streusel pokes through.
    • Top with the remaining streusel. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Cool the coffee cake completely before adding the glaze. To make the glaze whisk the powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl until smooth. You can add more milk to achieve the desired consistency. Drizzle over cut pieces of coffee cake right before serving.

    Notes

    Storage and Freezing
    To keep your coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. 
    To freeze this cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight freezer bag or storage container. You can also wrap slices individually so they can be thawed for an on-the-go, perfect breakfast. Thaw at room temperature.
    Pro Tip
    I find that it's easier to add the large bananas to the mixing bowl and use the electric mixer to mash them instead of mashing them first. It saves a step.
    When making the streusel topping, it’s crucial to use cold, cubed butter. This ensures that the mixture retains its crumbly texture during baking, resulting in those irresistible large crumbs we all love. Trust me, it's the secret to achieving the perfect crumb topping every time!
    For more tips and tricks, please see complete blog post.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1pieceCalories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 227mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 385IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword banana bread coffee cake, banana coffee cake recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Uncategorized

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Charlotte says

      April 09, 2024 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious! I love a good banana bread but you can't beat a streusel topping and glaze in a coffee cake! This is definitely on my weekend baking list!

      Reply
    2. Tiffany says

      April 10, 2024 at 2:21 pm

      Yum! I love this idea 🙂 Who doesn't want more ways to eat banana bread?

      Reply
    3. Brenda Moore says

      April 12, 2024 at 5:47 pm

      Because of the 'delicious' looking photos, here's a recipe I've got to at least try! Can't give a rating just yet, but seems there are so many health benefits to having a banana in my morning diet (bananas contain potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B6) and they're good for digestive and heart health, too. So, there's plenty of reason to bake a 'Banana Coffee Cake'.

      Reply
    4. Leann says

      January 29, 2025 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars
      This was 10/10!!! I found it while looking for unique coffee cake recipes and it is definitely a new favorite. Perfect with a cup of hot coffee.

      Reply
      • Natalie Booras says

        February 01, 2025 at 2:05 pm

        This coffee cake is one of our favorites too! Thanks for giving this recipe a review.

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Hi, I'm Natalie!
    I'm a home cook, food photographer and blogger, wife, and mom of twins who believes great meals don’t have to be complicated. On Salads, Soups & Sweets, I share easy, family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients.

    More about me

    Popular

    • A Banana Muffin broken in half to reveal a tender, moist crumb on the inside.
      Banana Muffin Recipe With Sour Cream
    • A small plate with banana bread slices on it. The top slice has been broken into two pieces of reveal the texture of the bread.
      How To Make Banana Bread Without Brown Sugar
    • A collage of the coffee cake recipes included in this list of 41 best coffee cake ideas.
      41 Best Coffee Cake Ideas
    • A piece of cinnamon coffee cake on a plate with a bite on a fork.
      Coffee Cake Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

    Seasonal

    • A bowl of navy bean soup with a gold spoon dipped into the broth resting on the bowl rim.
      Hearty Stovetop Navy Bean Soup Recipe with Ham
    • A pie plate with a No Bake Cherry Pie. There is a stack of small dessert plates in the background and a dish of cherry pie filling.
      No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Pie
    • A cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting on a serving spatula.
      Cinnamon Rolls with Heavy Cream
    • A stack of 2 espresso brownies on a white place. The top brownie has a bite taken out of it.
      Fudgy Homemade Espresso Brownies Recipe

    Footer

    • Accessibility Policy
    • Terms and Conditions

    Copyright © 2025 Salads Soups and Sweets on the Cookd Pro Theme

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.