Banana Coffee Cake

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Here’s a full, detailed recipe article for Banana Coffee Cake—complete with introduction, ingredients, instructions, methods, history, benefits, formation, nutrition, and more. 🍌☕🍰

🍌☕ Banana Coffee Cake Recipe

Introduction

Banana Coffee Cake is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread and traditional crumb-topped coffee cake. It’s soft, moist, and bursting with banana flavor, layered with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and topped with a buttery streusel crumb. The sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon, making this cake perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

📝 Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Instructions & Methods

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: Stir together brown sugar and cinnamon in another small bowl.
  4. Mix the cake batter:
    • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • In a larger bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in mashed bananas and vanilla.
    • Stir in sour cream/yogurt until smooth.
    • Gently fold in dry ingredients.
  5. Layer the cake:
    • Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
    • Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
    • Add the remaining batter on top.
    • Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly across the surface.
  6. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool slightly before serving. Optionally drizzle glaze over the top for extra sweetness.

📖 History of Coffee Cake

Coffee cake originated in Europe, where sweet breads and cakes were enjoyed with coffee as early as the 17th century. The American version evolved with streusel toppings, cinnamon swirls, and fruit additions. Bananas were introduced into coffee cakes in the 20th century when banana bread became popular during the Great Depression as a way to use overripe bananas. This fusion resulted in the beloved Banana Coffee Cake we know today.

🌿 Benefits

  • Bananas provide potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness.
  • Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar and boosts antioxidants.
  • Greek yogurt/sour cream adds protein and probiotics for gut health.
  • Moderation-friendly indulgence—a satisfying dessert that doubles as a breakfast treat.

🏗️ Formation

The structure of Banana Coffee Cake comes from the balance of moist bananas and sour cream, leavened by baking soda/powder. The cinnamon swirl adds layers of flavor, while the crumb topping forms a crunchy contrast to the soft cake interior.

💞 Lovers of Banana Coffee Cake

  • Banana bread lovers who crave something richer.
  • Coffee drinkers who enjoy a sweet treat alongside their beverage.
  • Home bakers who love versatile recipes for gatherings, brunches, or potlucks.
  • Sweet-toothed romantics who enjoy sharing warm, cozy desserts.

🍽️ Nutrition (per slice, 12 servings)

  • Calories: ~320
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 25g

(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and glaze use.)

🏁 Conclusion

Banana Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s comfort baked into every slice. With its moist crumb, cinnamon swirl, and irresistible streusel topping, it’s a recipe that warms hearts and brings people together. Perfect for sharing with friends, family, and, of course, lovers who enjoy sweet moments over coffee. 💕

Would you like me to also give you a no-bake version of Banana Coffee Cake for a quick alternative, or do you prefer only the classic baked one?

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