Coffee Cake Banana Bread

This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a dreamy blend of two classic baked treats—banana bread and coffee cake. With a moist, tender banana base and a buttery, cinnamon-infused crumb topping, this loaf brings the best of comfort baking into one irresistible bite. It’s perfect for slow mornings, cozy afternoons, or anytime you’re craving a nostalgic slice of something sweet.

What makes this recipe extra special is the delightful contrast in textures: a rich and soft center paired with a crumbly, slightly crunchy top. It’s a no-fuss bake that elevates traditional banana bread into something guests will rave about. Add a drizzle of glaze for a bakery-worthy finish, or enjoy it as-is with your favorite warm drink. It stores beautifully and gets even more flavorful the next day, if it lasts that long!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Banana Bread:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 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 Coffee Cake Streusel Topping:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Optional Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp milk or cream

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

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

2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter, eggs, both sugars, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

6. In a small bowl, make the streusel topping by combining brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

7. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the banana bread batter.

8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

9. Optional: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 10 slices

Why You’ll Love Coffee Cake Banana Bread

Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked banana bread with a golden, buttery crumb topping, wafting through the kitchen. Coffee Cake Banana Bread is exactly that a cozy fusion of two well-loved baked goods: the rich, moist texture of banana bread and the sweet, cinnamon-laced crunch of coffee cake topping. It’s a breakfast dream and a dessert delight rolled into one loaf.

This banana bread variation is incredibly moist thanks to ripe bananas and melted butter, but what sets it apart is that irresistible cinnamon streusel topping. Each bite gives you a tender banana-rich interior topped with a sweet, slightly crisp crumble, just like a slice of old-fashioned coffee cake, but better. Whether served for brunch, dessert, or a midday snack, this loaf is bound to become your new go-to bake.

The Origin of the Recipe Fusion

Banana bread, as we know, originated during the Great Depression when resourceful home bakers found a way to use overripe bananas rather than let them go to waste. Coffee cake, on the other hand, dates back even further, often enjoyed in Europe alongside you guessed it coffee. The idea of combining these two makes perfect sense: moist banana flavor with a topping that adds texture, sweetness, and spice.

This mashup brings the best of both worlds. It celebrates the frugality and comfort of banana bread while elevating it with a streusel topping that’s traditionally reserved for special cakes. It’s ideal for those who want something just a little more indulgent than regular banana bread, yet still simple and homey.

Ingredient Breakdown and Why They Matter

Let’s take a closer look at the core ingredients that make this Coffee Cake Banana Bread stand out.

• Ripe Bananas

The star of the show. You want bananas that are heavily speckled with brown or even black skin. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Bananas also add moisture and act as a natural sweetener.

• Butter

Melted butter not only contributes richness but ensures a tender crumb. It also enhances the flavor, giving the loaf that decadent, bakery-style feel.

• Sugar

A blend of white and brown sugars keeps the loaf perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. The brown sugar, especially, adds depth and slight caramel notes.

• Vanilla

Vanilla is a subtle but important flavor booster in this recipe. It elevates the banana flavor and complements the cinnamon in the topping.

• All-Purpose Flour

Just the right amount of structure to hold everything together while keeping the loaf soft.

• Baking Soda

Banana bread relies on baking soda rather than baking powder because the acid in bananas activates it for a lovely rise and light texture.

• Cinnamon

A classic addition to both the bread and the streusel topping, cinnamon adds warmth and a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with banana and brown sugar.

• Streusel Topping

This is what makes the coffee cake element shine. A simple mix of brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter is crumbled over the top for a sweet crunch after baking. It’s a small step with a big payoff.

Tips for the Perfect Loaf Every Time

• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough or rubbery loaf.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and butter mix more evenly when they’re not cold. If your eggs are chilled, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5–10 minutes before using.

• Test for Doneness: Since banana bread is moist, it’s essential to check the center with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs but no wet batter.

• Cool Before Glazing: If using the optional glaze, make sure your loaf has cooled completely, or it will melt right off the top.

Delicious Variations to Try

What makes this recipe even more enjoyable is how customizable it is. Here are a few fun ways to mix it up:

• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

• Chocolate Chips: A handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can turn this loaf into a banana-chocolate dream.

• Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla, then swirl it through the batter before baking for a tangy twist.

• Maple Glaze: Swap out the vanilla glaze for one made with maple syrup for a deeper, more autumnal flavor.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Banana Bread

This bread is versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

• Warm, with butter: A pat of butter on a warm slice takes it to another level.

• Toasted: Toasting a slice adds a slight crisp to the edges and intensifies the flavor.

• With coffee or tea: As its name suggests, this loaf pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

• As dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet ending to your meal.

Storage and Freezing

• Room Temperature: Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store in the fridge for up to a week.

• Freezing: This loaf freezes well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave or toaster oven.

When to Bake This Coffee Cake Banana Bread

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and works for various occasions:

• Weekend brunch with friends

• Potluck or office party

• Afternoon coffee catch-ups

• Quick grab-and-go breakfasts

• Sweet treat for kids’ lunchboxes

• A thoughtful homemade gift for neighbors or new parents

Its simplicity and nostalgic flavor make it welcome anytime, anywhere.

Nutritional Consideration

While this bread feels indulgent, it’s made with everyday pantry ingredients and can be lightened up easily. Use Greek yogurt or applesauce in place of some butter, or cut the sugar slightly depending on your taste. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Coffee Cake Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort bake. It brings together the soft, naturally sweet goodness of banana bread with the cinnamon-rich charm of coffee cake. Every bite is a textural contrast of moist crumb and crunchy streusel, perfect for both cozy mornings and sweet tooth cravings.

This loaf is a reminder that you don’t have to choose between two favorites. With this easy recipe, you get the best of both worlds. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, this is one recipe that delivers every time. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your home baking rotation.