This Coffee Cake Banana Bread combines the best of both worlds! It is soft, moist, and packed with sweet banana flavor, topped with a delightful crumbly streusel. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
I love to enjoy this treat with a warm cup of coffee. The aroma while baking is simply irresistible! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can make it anytime to impress your friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are a must for a moist texture and natural sweetness. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed it up by baking unpeeled bananas at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until blackened.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for controlling the salt level. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter for a similar richness.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and tang. Plain yogurt is a great substitute, or even applesauce can work if you’re looking for lower fat options.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch, but feel free to skip them if you prefer or swap in pecans for a different flavor.
Topping: The oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon mixture creates a delightful crunchy topping. You can make it nut-free by leaving out the nuts or using seeds instead!
How Do I Ensure a Light and Fluffy Texture?
The key to that light and fluffy texture starts with creaming the butter and sugars together well. Take your time to mix until it looks pale and fluffy. This process incorporates air and gives your bread a nice rise.
- Make sure your butter is softened—leave it out for about half an hour before you start.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results, but if you’re doing it by hand, be persistent!
Also, remember not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Mix just until you see no more flour. This also helps keep the bread from becoming dense and heavy.
How to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 banana, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Coffee Cake Banana Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. In total, you will need about 1 hour to get this delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats, grease a 9×9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to remove your bread once it’s baked!
2. Cream the Sugars and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a mixer or a whisk, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a nice texture!
3. Mix in the Bananas and Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Stir everything together until it is well combined. You want to make sure the bananas are mixed thoroughly for even flavor throughout.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients and ensures your banana bread rises nicely!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or yogurt). Mix gently until everything is just combined; don’t over-mix, or your bread may become tough!
6. Add Nuts (Optional):
If you’re using walnuts, gently fold them into the batter now. They’ll add a lovely crunch to your banana bread!
7. Prepare to Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. This ensures that it bakes consistently. Take a moment to smooth the top if needed.
8. Make the Topping and Sprinkle:
In a small bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This mixture will create a nice crunchy topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter in the baking pan for some extra flavor and texture!
9. Bake and Cool:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
After it’s slightly cooled, slice your Coffee Cake Banana Bread. Serve it warm, topped with slices of banana. For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup on top. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend for a healthier or gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that using whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture, so you might want to add a tablespoon more of sour cream to keep it moist!
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?
Yes! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to the batter for the best results!
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt (Greek or regular) is a perfect substitute. You can also use buttermilk or even milk mixed with a little vinegar to give a similar tangy flavor. Just be aware that the texture may slightly change with these substitutes.
