Introduction to Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Why Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is a Must-Try
Looking for a delicious way to elevate your breakfast or dessert game? Enter the delightful banana crumb coffee cake. This sweet treat is not only a feast for the eyes with its crumbly topping, but it also combines the rich flavor of ripe bananas with warm spices like cinnamon, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether it’s brunch with friends, a cozy afternoon snack, or a dessert to round off a delightful dinner, banana crumb coffee cake fits the bill perfectly. The moist cake lies beneath a crispy, buttery crumb topping that adds an irresistible texture. Plus, if you’re considering hosting a brunch, nothing says “I care” quite like baking from scratch!
Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s easy to make too, with simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Ever thought of freezing some for a rainy day? It keeps well in the freezer, making it a thoughtful treat to have on hand!
Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
List of Ingredients
To create this delightful banana crumb coffee cake, you'll need the following ingredients:
Crumb Layers
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (8 tablespoons), cut into small cubes (vegan butter works great for a dairy-free option!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (adjustable, as needed)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (or vegan butter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond milk (feel free to substitute with your milk of choice)
Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons almond milk
Substitutions and Alternatives
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No worries! Here are a few handy substitutions for your banana crumb coffee cake:
- Flours: You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Sugars: Coconut sugar can replace brown and granulated sugars for a healthier twist.
- Bananas: If you're short on bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a great alternative (use about ¾ cup).
- Eggs: For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs—simply mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Milk: Any non-dairy milk such as oat or soy milk works well instead of almond milk.
These substitutions ensure you can whip up this delicious cake anytime!
Preparing Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Making a banana crumb coffee cake is a delightful way to start your day or to enjoy a cozy afternoon treat. With its sweet banana flavor and a crunchy crumb topping, it's sure to please everyone in your circle. Ready to whip one up? Let's dive into the steps!
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350º F. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden hue. While the oven warms, grease a 9" x 13" baking dish with butter or cooking spray. The last thing you want is your delicious cake sticking to the bottom!
Make the Crumb Topping
For that irresistible crumb topping, take ½ cup of cold unsalted butter (remember, it must be cold!) and cut it into small cubes. In a large bowl, combine these cubes with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Use your hands or two forks to mix everything until you achieve a crumbly texture—this will give your cake a delicious crunch.
Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Cake
Next, let’s get those dry ingredients ready for the batter! In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This step is key for ensuring that your cake has the perfect rise and flavor combination.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, cream ½ cup of softened butter (you can use vegan butter if you're looking to keep it dairy-free) on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy. Then add 1 cup of granulated sugar, mixing for another minute until well combined. Incorporate 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and your mashed bananas into the mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want that fluffy texture!
Incorporate Bananas and Other Wet Ingredients
Once your wet ingredients blend beautifully, turn the mixer down to low. Alternately mix in your almond milk and the dry ingredient mixture until just combined. This ensures your cake has a wonderful consistency without becoming tough.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it's time to bring it all together! Pour half of your banana base into the greased baking dish. Then, sprinkle ⅓ to ¼ of the crumb mixture on top. Follow that with the remaining cake batter and finish with the rest of the crumb topping.
Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 50-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The mouth-watering aroma of your banana crumb coffee cake will fill your kitchen, leading to excited anticipation!
This cake is fantastic served warm, and if you wish, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the top once it's cooled slightly. Slice it up and enjoy—it pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up!
Variations on Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Adding Nuts or Chocolate Chips
Looking to elevate your banana crumb coffee cake? Consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Not a nut lover? You can also add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent twist. Feel free to experiment — both options can add an exciting layer of flavor and texture!
Dairy-Free Versions
If you're looking for a dairy-free version of this scrumptious cake, simply substitute the regular butter and milk with vegan butter and almond milk. This ensures that everyone can enjoy a slice of deliciousness without compromising taste or texture. Discover more dairy-free baking tips here and see how easy it is to adapt recipes to fit your dietary needs!
Baking Tips and Notes for Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Importance of Cold Butter for Crumb Topping
Using cold butter is essential for achieving that perfect crumbly texture on top of your banana crumb coffee cake. This technique helps to create a delightful contrast with the moistness of the cake. The cold butter keeps the crumbs from blending too much into the batter, ensuring you get that crispy topping you crave. Take a moment to cut the butter into small cubes before mixing it with the dry ingredients for the best results.
How to Store Leftovers Properly
If you have any leftovers of this delicious banana crumb coffee cake (though it might be hard to resist), store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, it stays fresh for up to three days, but if you want to enjoy it longer, the fridge can extend that to five days. For even more longevity, freeze slices in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Remember to thaw thoroughly at room temperature before indulging again!
Serving Suggestions for Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
For an enjoyable experience, serve your banana crumb coffee cake alongside a steaming cup of rich coffee or a fragrant herbal tea. The warmth and flavors from the coffee or tea beautifully complement the sweetness of the cake, making it an ideal pairing for brunch or an afternoon snack. If you're feeling adventurous, try a spiced chai or a nutty latte to enhance those delightful cinnamon notes in the cake.
Serving it Warm vs. Room Temperature
While this cake is delicious at room temperature, serving it warm elevates the experience, enhancing the buttery crumb texture. A generous drizzle of warm glaze adds a lovely touch. If you have leftovers, don't hesitate to pop it in the microwave for a few seconds before indulging! For an added layer of decadence, consider topping with fresh fruit, such as sliced bananas or berries, for an extra burst of flavor.
Time Breakdown for Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Preparation Time
Making this delightful banana crumb coffee cake takes about 15 minutes. This is your time to gather the ingredients and combine them just right! Don't rush—this cake deserves your attention.
Baking Time
Once prepped, pop it in the oven for around 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it's ready when a toothpick comes out clean.
Total Time
In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. It’s a short investment for a delicious outcome that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Nutritional Facts for Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Calories Per Slice
This delightful banana crumb coffee cake offers approximately 497 calories per slice. Ideal for a satisfying breakfast or indulgent snack, it provides a fulfilling treat without going overboard on calories.
Sugar Content
With 56 grams of sugar per slice, it’s sweet enough to satisfy your cravings. However, consider pairing it with unsweetened coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness and create a wonderful flavor combination.
Fiber Benefits
Each slice packs about 2 grams of fiber, thanks to the bananas and flour. Fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health and can help you feel fuller longer. Incorporating banana crumb coffee cake into your meal options can be both delicious and nourishing!
For more information on dietary fiber and its benefits, check out Healthline’s guide on fiber.
FAQs about Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas are perfect for this banana crumb coffee cake. Just make sure to thaw them completely before mashing. The extra moisture from thawed bananas can actually enhance the cake's flavor and texture.
How to prevent a dry cake?
To keep your banana crumb coffee cake moist, be mindful of a few key factors:
- Banana ripeness: The riper, the better! Use bananas with lots of spots to ensure maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, dry cake.
- Check for doneness: Start checking about 5 minutes before the suggested baking time. An overbaked cake inevitably leads to dryness.
What do I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sunken cake can be disappointing, but it happens! This usually indicates that it's underbaked or that there was too much air incorporated. To avoid future sagging, ensure your bananas are mashed well for even distribution, and check your oven's temperature for accuracy. If your cake does sink, slice it into squares and serve with a drizzle of glaze or whipped cream; it’ll taste just as wonderful!
Conclusion on Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Final Thoughts on Baking Your Own Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Baking your own banana crumb coffee cake is a rewarding experience. Not only does it fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma, but the joy of sharing it with friends and family is unmatched. Try this easy recipe for your next gathering!
Feel free to explore more about baking techniques and tips on The Kitchn for expanded inspiration and masterful baking!
Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Equipment
- baking dish
Ingredients
Crumb Layers
- 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- 1 cup all purpose flour gradually add more by the tablespoon if needed
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 large ripe bananas peeled and mashed
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup almond milk or 1%, 2%, whole milk, or buttermilk
Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons almond milk
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease a 9" x 13" baking dish with butter or cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large bowl, use your hands or two forks to crumble together the cold butter cubes, flour, sugars, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles a crumbly topping. Set aside the crumb mixture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, mix softened butter on medium until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and mix for another minute, until well incorporated. Then add the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas, and mix just until ingredients are incorporated (do not overmix!).
- Turn the mixer down to low, and alternate mixing in milk and flour until all ingredients are combined.
- Pour half of the cake mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with ⅓ - ¼ of the crumb mixture. Then pour the remaining cake mixture on top of that layer and finally, top evenly with the remaining crumb topping.
- Bake at 350º for 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- To make the optional glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk as needed until you get the glaze consistency you prefer. Set aside.
- Cool at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top, slicing, and serving.
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