Easy Banana Bread Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked banana bread, but with a delightful twist – a crumbly streusel topping that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. This Easy Banana Bread Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is a game-changer for breakfast or brunch gatherings, using everyday ingredients to create a masterpiece that’s both flavorful and visually appealing. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their morning routine with a delicious, homemade treat.

Why This Works

• The combination of ripe bananas, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a deep, comforting flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• The streusel topping, made with butter, flour, and sugar, adds a delightful textural element that complements the moist banana bread perfectly.
• Despite its impressive appearance, this coffee cake is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup streusel topping (see below for recipe)

Streusel Topping Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the sugar, melted butter, eggs, mashed bananas, and cinnamon. Beat until smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Step 6: To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, sugar, and cold butter in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using walnuts, fold them into the streusel mixture at this stage.
7. Step 7: Spread the streusel topping evenly over the banana bread batter.
8. Step 8: Bake the coffee cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The streusel topping should be golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense coffee cake.
• If you want a crunchier streusel topping, bake the coffee cake for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

Heat Control

To ensure your coffee cake is perfectly baked, keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking. The streusel topping should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of underbaking, as the cake will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the oven.

Crunch Factor

The streusel topping is the star of the show in this recipe, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist banana bread. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to use cold butter when making the streusel topping, and don’t overmix the ingredients. This will help the topping to bake up golden and crispy, rather than soft and chewy.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure your coffee cake is evenly baked, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
• Use a combination of white and brown sugar for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Experiment with different types of nuts or spices in the streusel topping to create unique flavor variations.

Storage Tips

• Store the coffee cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze the coffee cake for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheat the coffee cake in the microwave or oven until warmed through, if desired.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This coffee cake is perfect for gifting to friends and family, especially during the holidays. Consider packaging it in a decorative tin or basket, wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tied with a ribbon. You could also include a packet of coffee or a few bananas to make it a complete gift.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for added flavor.
• Use different types of nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, in the streusel topping for a unique flavor.
• Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to create a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• If your coffee cake is too dense, try using less flour or adding an extra egg to the batter.
• If your streusel topping is too crumbly, try adding a bit more butter or using a food processor to mix the ingredients.
• If your coffee cake is overcooked, try reducing the baking time or temperature next time.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the coffee cake? Yes, the coffee cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Is the coffee cake gluten-free? No, the coffee cake contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative if needed.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be doubled to make a larger coffee cake. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and bake in a larger pan.

Conclusion

This Easy Banana Bread Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is a delicious and impressive dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a sweet treat. With its moist banana bread, crunchy streusel topping, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your family and friends as you indulge in this tasty masterpiece.