This delightful cake brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the comfort of a crumbly topping, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast spread or afternoon tea. The combination of textures and flavors truly elevates the experience, turning a simple coffee cake into something memorable. I often find myself baking this recipe on lazy weekends, filling my home with the warm aroma of baked bananas.

Banana Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful banana coffee cake topped with a crumbly mixture, perfect for breakfast or tea time.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (for crumb topping)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for crumb topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- For the crumb topping, mix brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the topping evenly over it.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Notes
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why you’ll love this dish
The unique blend of flavors hits just the right note—sweet, nutty, and buttery—while the crumb topping adds a delightful crunch that balances the moist cake perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a special treat with your coffee, this dish stands out for its versatility and comfort.
“This coffee cake is an absolute showstopper; my friends couldn’t get enough of it!”
The cooking process explained
Creating this cake is a straightforward journey that promises satisfying results. Start by prepping your ingredients and setting the oven to the right temperature. With just a few mixing steps and a bit of time in the oven, you will soon have a warm, beautifully baked cake ready to share.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 45 min | Total Time: 1 hr
What you’ll need
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (for crumb topping)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for crumb topping)
Feel free to substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version, or experiment with different spices in the crumb topping!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- For the crumb topping, mix brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the topping evenly over it.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Best ways to enjoy it
This delicious cake pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, making it a wonderful choice to serve alongside your favorite morning beverages. You could even add a side of yogurt or fresh fruit for a more complete breakfast or snack.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftover cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it for a longer period, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them within a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy a slice, simply let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a brief reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best results, choose ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots—this ensures maximum sweetness and moisture. Additionally, be careful not to overmix your batter once you incorporate the dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Creative twists
You can customize this recipe effortlessly! Try adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter for texture. Alternatively, consider tossing in chocolate chips or substituting some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for added fiber.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just ensure you thaw them first and drain off any excess moisture.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar and add a teaspoon of molasses for a similar flavor.
Is this cake safe to eat if left out overnight?
As long as it’s stored in an airtight container, it’s perfectly safe to leave it out at room temperature for a day or two.
