There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet, tender banana bread and the irresistible crumbly topping of a classic coffee cake, which is why Coffee Cake Banana Bread has quickly become a staple in my kitchen! Warm spices swirl with ripe bananas, while a buttery streusel and optional vanilla glaze elevate each bite to pure comfort-food bliss. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy brunch, an afternoon treat, or even dessert, this recipe promises the best of both worlds in every satisfying slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful loaf is made with simple, familiar ingredients that come together to deliver big bakery-style flavor. Each element pulls its weight, from the richness of ripe bananas to the warm undertones of cinnamon and brown sugar, while the streusel and glaze add irresistible sweetness and crunch.
- Bananas (3, ripe & mashed): Use soft, spotty bananas for the deepest banana flavor and extra moisture.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted for bread; 3 tbsp, cold & cubed for streusel): Melted butter gives richness to the batter, while cold butter makes the streusel crunchy.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds classic sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup in bread, ⅓ cup in streusel): For caramel-like depth in both the banana bread and crumb topping.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and create a soft, fluffy crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp for bread, ¼ tsp for glaze): Rounds out the flavors with mellow, bakery-style aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups for bread, ⅓ cup for streusel): Gives the bread sturdy structure and the streusel its signature crunch.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): The key leavener, ensuring a perfectly risen loaf.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the sweeter notes and balances the flavors.
- Cinnamon (½ tsp for bread, 1 tsp for streusel): Brings a warm hint of spice to both the bread and topping.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, optional for glaze): Creates a luscious drizzle for a bakery-worthy finish.
- Milk (1–2 tsp, optional for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect pourable glaze consistency.
How to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. This step ensures your Coffee Cake Banana Bread comes out cleanly, with every bit of the golden crust intact.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s beautifully blended and creamy, setting the foundation for a tender loaf.
Step 3: Stir in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Give these a quick mix, then add them to the banana mixture. Gently fold everything together just until the flour disappears to keep your banana bread soft and moist—overmixing is the enemy of a tender crumb!
Step 4: Prepare and Add Streusel Topping
For that signature coffee cake touch, mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel in a small bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a fork or pastry cutter until you have crumbly clumps. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the banana bread batter in the pan; trust me, the crunchy top is worth every second.
Step 5: Bake It to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling—this prevents soggy edges while keeping that crumbly top intact.
Step 6: Mix (and Drizzle) the Optional Glaze
If you want that sweet, bakery-style finish, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until you have a smooth, thick glaze. Drizzle it over the completely cooled loaf for an extra-special Coffee Cake Banana Bread everyone will remember.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even some chopped toasted walnuts on top can make your Coffee Cake Banana Bread feel extra festive. If you’re feeling fancy, try a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving!
Side Dishes
Coffee Cake Banana Bread is wonderful with a hot cup of coffee or classic breakfast tea. Pair it with a side of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced brunch, or serve with bacon or eggs for a sweet-savory spread that’s crowd-pleasing and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, slice your loaf thick and arrange on a platter with the glaze artfully drizzled over each. You can also cut the bread into small cubes for an elegant brunch buffet, or tuck a slice into a lunchbox for a midday pick-me-up—this Coffee Cake Banana Bread truly shines at any time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tightly wrap any leftover Coffee Cake Banana Bread in plastic wrap or foil, or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors continue melding, making each slice even better the next day.
Freezing
This loaf freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled, unglazed bread in parchment or wax paper, then in foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. If you like, add the glaze after thawing for the freshest taste.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-baked flavor, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or heat the whole loaf (wrapped in foil) at 300°F for 10–15 minutes. This will revive the delightful softness without drying out your Coffee Cake Banana Bread.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Coffee Cake Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Just thaw them fully, drain any excess liquid, and mash as usual for the richest banana flavor. Frozen bananas are a great way to make sure your loaf is ultra-moist.
Is the glaze necessary or can I skip it?
The glaze is totally optional—it adds a pretty, bakery-style touch and extra sweetness, but the bread is just as delicious without it. Feel free to skip or get creative with lemon or maple glaze instead.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Stir in up to ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to give your Coffee Cake Banana Bread more texture and flavor. Just fold them in right before transferring the batter to the pan.
How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?
Check by inserting a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The top should also be golden and firm to the touch.
Can I make this as muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Divide the batter among lined muffin cups, top with streusel, and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. You’ll get adorable, portable Coffee Cake Banana Bread muffins bursting with flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that brings together the comfort of banana bread and the nostalgia of coffee cake, you have to try Coffee Cake Banana Bread! It’s a true treat whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or sliced for an afternoon snack. I know you’ll love every crumbly, cinnamon-swirled bite!
Print
Coffee Cake Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of banana bread and coffee cake with this scrumptious Coffee Cake Banana Bread recipe. Moist banana bread topped with a cinnamon streusel and optional sweet glaze, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
For the banana bread:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
For the streusel topping:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
For the glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add to wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Prepare streusel: Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.
- Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes. Cool before serving.
- Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled bread.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
- The glaze is optional but adds sweetness.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
