Coffee Cake Banana Bread

Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a delightful twist on two beloved classics. The soft, moist banana bread base gets elevated with a luscious swirl of cinnamon sugar that melts into a perfectly spiced crust, delivering a comforting and irresistible flavor profile.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this loaf pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Its inviting aroma and tender crumb make it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Whether for a cozy morning at home or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is a timeless favorite that feels both nostalgic and special.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the coffee cake swirl:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

5. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon for the coffee cake swirl.

6. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture.

7. Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter to create a marbled effect.

8. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 servings

Coffee Cake Banana Bread: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of banana bread wafting through a home kitchen. It’s a scent that evokes cozy mornings, lazy weekends, and that satisfying sense of using every last ripe banana in a most delicious way. But what happens when you take a beloved staple like banana bread and elevate it with a crunchy, sweet crumb topping reminiscent of your favorite coffee cake? You get the best of both worlds in one delightful loaf: Coffee Cake Banana Bread.

This irresistible hybrid dessert, brought to life by A Latte Food, isn’t just banana bread with a sprinkle of sugarit’s a thoughtfully crafted marriage of two iconic baked goods, resulting in a treat that’s rich, textured, flavorful, and perfect for nearly any occasion.

The Charm of Combining Two Classics

At its core, banana bread is the ultimate go-to when you have overripe bananas and a craving for something warm and homey. It’s known for its moist crumb, sweet banana flavor, and forgiving nature in the kitchen. Coffee cake, on the other hand, has long been a bakery favorite, particularly for its soft, tender cake base topped with a buttery streusel or crumb layer that adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness.

By merging these two classics, this recipe offers the satisfying depth and softness of banana bread with the indulgent top layer of a coffee cake a crunchy, brown sugar-cinnamon streusel that provides a fantastic contrast in both texture and flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

What sets this banana bread apart is not just its flavor, but its balance. The sweetness of the ripe bananas pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-forward crumb topping, and the slight tang from the optional sour cream or Greek yogurt brings complexity without overwhelming the palate.

The recipe doesn’t cut corners with the crumb topping either. Many streusel-topped breads fall short by skimping on the good stuff, but not this one. It’s unapologetically generous, offering a thick layer that crackles with each bite. This creates that signature contrast between soft and crispy, sweet and spiced, that defines a truly memorable bite.

It’s also an approachable bake for most home bakers. No specialty tools required, just a mixing bowl, loaf pans, and a few pantry staples. And because the crumb topping is added before baking, it integrates with the loaf naturally, forming a caramelized edge where it meets the bread.

Texture and Taste: What to Expect

The first thing you’ll notice with this loaf is the incredible aroma as it bakes. That warm combination of banana, butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar is like a candle come to life but edible. Once sliced, you’re treated to a soft, almost cake-like banana bread interior that’s moist without being heavy, flecked with tender banana bits and fragrant cinnamon.

The topping is the star sweet, crunchy, and slightly crisped around the edges. It doesn’t just sit on top for decoration; it adds a dynamic layer of flavor and crunch that continues to shine even a day or two after baking.

This bread is indulgent without being overly rich, which makes it incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with coffee for breakfast, drizzle with a glaze for dessert, or just enjoy a slice as an afternoon snack. It hits all the right notes: comforting, satisfying, and just indulgent enough to feel special.

Baking Tips for Success

Although the recipe is relatively straightforward, a few tips can help you take your loaf from good to exceptional:

• Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the better. Black-spotted bananas will give the loaf a stronger flavor and natural sweetness.

• Don’t overmix: Like most quick breads, you want to avoid overmixing once the flour goes in. Overworked batter leads to dense, tough bread rather than the soft, tender crumb you’re after.

• Keep the crumb topping cold: When making the streusel, use cold butter and work it in with a pastry cutter or fork. This ensures it stays crumbly and bakes up crisp.

• Let it cool properly: It’s tempting to slice into the loaf right out of the oven, but letting it cool allows the crumb to set and the flavors to develop.

Creative Variations to Explore

One of the joys of a recipe like this is how easily it lends itself to variation. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, try mixing it up:

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or the crumb topping for a bit of extra crunch and earthy flavor.

• Chocolate Upgrade: Stir in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise that pairs wonderfully with banana and cinnamon.

• Seasonal Flavors: Introduce a dash of nutmeg, clove, or even pumpkin pie spice to give the bread a seasonal twist.

• Mini Loaves or Muffins: Turn this into smaller treats for gifting or serving at a brunch. Just reduce the baking time and watch them closely.

Perfect for Holidays and Everyday Moments

What makes Coffee Cake Banana Bread truly special is how versatile it is. It works equally well as a cozy Sunday bake or as a show-stopping addition to your holiday spread. Imagine serving it at Christmas breakfast, wrapped in parchment and tied with string for neighbors, or sliced warm alongside a mug of spiced tea on a chilly fall morning.

It also makes a thoughtful, homemade gift especially when baked in decorative paper loaf pans. A simple ribbon and a handwritten note are all you need to turn it into something meaningful.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s a recipe that invites you to slow down. Baking banana bread is an act of love, and adding that extra crumb topping? It’s a small indulgence that speaks volumes.

Conclusion: 

At a time when life moves quickly and moments of warmth and comfort are more valuable than ever, Coffee Cake Banana Bread offers exactly what we crave familiar flavors, homemade goodness, and a little extra flair that makes us feel like we’ve treated ourselves.

This recipe doesn’t try to be overly fancy or complicated. Instead, it leans into what we love about baking: the joy of creating something from scratch, the aroma that fills your kitchen, and the first bite that confirms you’ve made something special.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend experimenter, this recipe is a must-try. Not only does it use ingredients you likely already have on hand, but it delivers on flavor, texture, and that ever-important wow factor. So grab those bananas that are just past their prime, and let the magic begin.