Easy Banana Crumb Coffee Cake

This moist and tender banana coffee cake is topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, delivering a comforting dessert perfect for brunch or snack time.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Baking

Servings 12 squares

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3 medium Ripe bananas, mashed Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness; freeze overripe ones for smoothies later.
2 cups All-purpose flour Sifted; spoon and level for accuracy.
2 teaspoons Baking powder Fresh for reliable rise; check expiration.
0.5 teaspoon Baking soda Balances acidity from bananas.
1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Add an extra ¼ teaspoon to batter for stronger spice.
0.25 teaspoon Salt Enhances sweetness and flavor.
0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened Can substitute coconut oil (dairy-free) using same volume.
0.75 cup Granulated sugar Adjust by 1–2 tablespoons for very sweet bananas.
2 Large eggs Room temperature eggs blend better.
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Pure vanilla adds depth; optional almond extract splash.

Streusel Topping

0.5 cup Streusel flour Part of streusel mix; use pastry flour for softer crumbs.
0.33 cup Brown sugar (streusel) Light or dark brown sugar works; dark gives richer molasses notes.
0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon (streusel) Combine with nutmeg for a warmer profile.
4 tablespoons Cold unsalted butter (streusel), cut into chunks Keep cold for coarse crumb; use vegan butter for dairy-free option.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line the pan with parchment paper if desired to ease removal.

Make Streusel

Combine ½ cup flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
Add cold butter chunks and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until coarse crumbs form.
Chill the streusel in the refrigerator while preparing the batter.

Mix Batter

Beat ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt in another bowl.

Finish Batter and Bake

Mash bananas until smooth and fold them into the batter.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the batter, pressing lightly to adhere.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling. Use very ripe bananas for the best results. Do not overmix the batter after adding flour.

Keyword banana coffee cake, Banana Dessert, crumb cake, Easy Baking, streusel topping