Banana Crumb Coffee Cake – Sweet, Moist & Easy to Make

There’s something comforting about the smell of bananas and cinnamon baking in the oven—it takes me back to weekend mornings in my tiny apartment kitchen, where banana coffee cake was my go-to way of using up ripe bananas and filling the house with warmth. This banana crumb coffee cake is a sweet little ritual worth sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Crumb Coffee Cake

This banana crumb coffee cake isn’t just a great excuse to use those speckled bananas—it’s a full-on flavor experience. You get moist, banana-rich cake layers with a golden crumb topping that’s sweet, crisp, and full of cinnamon warmth. The texture is tender and light (as long as you don’t overmix—more on that later), and the crumb topping brings just the right touch of buttery crunch. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or just because it’s Tuesday, this cake brings joy in every bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Base

• Ripe Bananas – The riper, the better. They bring natural sweetness, a soft texture, and that signature banana flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – For structure and balance.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the cake without overpowering the banana.
• Butter – Softened unsalted butter adds richness and moisture.
• Eggs – Help bind the cake and create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavor beautifully.
• Milk – Almond milk works great here, but feel free to use your favorite variety: whole, 2%, or buttermilk.

For the Crumb Topping

• Cold Butter – This is key. Cold, cubed butter makes those big, bakery-style crumbs we all love.
• Brown Sugar + White Sugar – The mix adds depth and caramel-like sweetness.
• Flour + Cinnamon – They bind the topping and bring that cozy, classic crumble flavor.

Optional Glaze (If Desired)

• Powdered Sugar + Almond Milk – Whisked together until smooth, this drizzle adds a soft finish of sweetness. Totally optional—but always welcome.

How to Make Banana Crumb Coffee Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven & Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350ºF and grease a 9″x13″ baking dish.
2. Make the Crumb Topping
   In a bowl, mix the cold butter cubes, flour, sugars, and cinnamon until crumbly. You can use your hands or a pastry cutter—just don’t overwork it. Set aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Cream Butter & Sugar
   Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy—about 1 minute.
5. Add Wet Ingredients
   Mix in the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas until just combined.
6. Combine Batter
   On low speed, alternate adding the dry mix and milk until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cake light.
7. Assemble
   Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle with about ⅓ of the crumb mixture. Add the rest of the batter and top generously with the remaining crumbs.
8. Bake
   Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
9. Cool & Glaze (Optional)
   Let it cool for 5–10 minutes. If using the glaze, whisk it up and drizzle over the top before serving.

Tips for Success

• Cold Butter is Crucial – For a crumb topping that holds its shape and crisps up beautifully, use cold, cubed butter—not softened or melted.
• Don’t Overmix – Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix just until the batter comes together. Overmixing leads to dense cake.
• Check for Doneness – The center should spring back slightly and a toothpick should come out clean (no wet batter).
• Bananas – Overripe bananas with brown spots give the best flavor and texture.

Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

• Make Ahead – This cake holds up well made the night before. Let it cool completely and store covered.
• Storage – Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5.
• Freezing – Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp, and warm slices slightly for best texture.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

This banana crumb coffee cake brings together everything we love: sweet ripe bananas, a soft and tender crumb, and that irresistible crunchy topping. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or sneak a piece in the afternoon, it’s a little bite of comfort. If you’re into banana treats, don’t miss my fudgy and rich banana bread brownies, soft and chewy banana oatmeal cookies, or moist snickerdoodle banana bread.

Want more cozy bakes and recipe love? Catch up with me on Pinterest or join the fun on Facebook.

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