Coffee Cake Banana Bread That’ll Wow Your Taste Buds!

There’s something magical about the combination of moist banana bread and a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. If you love the warm, spiced flavors of a classic coffee cake and the rich, tender texture of homemade banana bread, this recipe will become your new favorite!

Imagine biting into a slice—golden crust, soft and fluffy inside, with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of vanilla. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, an afternoon treat with coffee, or a dessert that wows your guests, this Coffee Cake Banana Bread delivers every time.

With simple baking essentials like ripe bananas, brown sugar, and warm spices, you’ll create an irresistibly delicious bakery-worthy loaf. Ready to get started? Let’s bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of both coffee cake and banana bread, this recipe brings you the best of both worlds in one delicious loaf. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

• Moist & Fluffy Texture: Thanks to ripe bananas and a touch of sour cream, every bite is soft, tender, and bursting with rich flavor.
• Buttery Cinnamon Streusel: A golden, crumbly topping adds the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making each slice irresistible.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With pantry staples like brown sugar, vanilla, and warm spices, this banana bread tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
• Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a sweet snack, or even as a dessert—it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Easy to Make: No fancy equipment is required! Just a few bowls, a loaf pan, and an oven, and you’ll have a homemade treat that looks and tastes amazing.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a guaranteed hit. Ready to make your kitchen smell incredible? Let’s get started!

Essential Ingredients

Before diving into the baking process, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this Coffee Cake Banana Bread truly exceptional. Using the right ingredients ensures a moist, flavorful loaf with a perfectly crisp streusel topping.

For the Banana Bread:

• Ripe Bananas (3 medium-sized) – The riper, the better! Brown-speckled bananas add natural sweetness and keep the bread ultra-moist.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups) – Provides structure while keeping the texture light and fluffy.
• Brown Sugar (¾ cup) – Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the banana flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted) – Gives richness and moisture while ensuring a tender crumb.
• Eggs (2 large) – Help bind the ingredients and create a soft, stable texture.
• Sour Cream (¼ cup) – The secret ingredient for extra moisture and a slight tang, making the bread incredibly soft.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the warm, sweet flavors of the bread.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) & Baking Powder (½ teaspoon) – These leavening agents ensure a perfectly risen loaf.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) & Nutmeg (½ teaspoon) – Bring warm, cozy spice notes that complement the banana and streusel topping.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

• All-purpose flour (⅔ cup) – Creates a light, crumbly texture.
• Brown Sugar (⅓ cup) – Adds a caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) – A must-have for that classic coffee cake flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, melted) – Helps form those irresistible, buttery crumbles.

Pro Tip:

For the best texture, use room-temperature eggs and sour cream. This helps the ingredients blend smoothly, creating a uniform, bakery-style banana bread.

With these simple yet essential ingredients, you’re all set to bake a perfectly spiced, tender loaf. Now, let’s put them together and bring this delicious treat to life!

Creating Perfect Coffee Cake Banana Bread

Now that we have all the essential ingredients, it’s time to bring them together to create bakery-worthy banana bread with a delicious cinnamon streusel topping. Follow these step-by-step instructions for the best results!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients & Equipment

• Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth but slightly chunky. This ensures the best texture.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Banana Bread Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add the mashed bananas and stir until fully combined.
3. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula—be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to dense banana bread instead of a soft, fluffy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel

• In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to combine until the mixture forms small, crumbly pieces.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan you have prepared.
2. Sprinkle a layer of the cinnamon streusel over the batter.
3. Pour the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the streusel.
4. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
5. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Slice & Enjoy!

Once cooled, slice into thick pieces and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The combination of moist banana bread and buttery cinnamon crumble makes every bite absolutely irresistible!

Baking Tip:

For an extra-crispy streusel topping, place the baked loaf under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end—but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Now that you’ve mastered the perfect Coffee Cake Banana Bread, let’s explore some creative variations to make it your own!

Creative Variations

One of the best things about this Coffee Cake Banana Bread is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking to add extra texture, a hint of indulgence, or a healthier twist, here are some delicious ways to make this recipe your own!

1. Nutty Crunch

For an added crunch and nutty flavor, mix ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel topping or fold them into the batter. The toasted nuts enhance the warm, buttery notes of the banana bread.

2. Chocolate Lover’s Twist

Banana bread and chocolate are a match made in heaven! Stir in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled loaf for a decadent touch.

3. Maple or Honey Infusion

Swap the brown sugar in the batter for pure maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetness with a subtle caramel undertone. This also keeps the bread extra moist and flavorful.

4. Cinnamon Swirl Variation

Want an extra layer of cinnamon goodness? Mix ¼ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, then swirl it into the batter before adding the streusel. This creates a beautiful marbled effect with even more coffee cake flavor.

5. Healthier Alternative

Make a lighter version by:

• Substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream to add protein and reduce fat.
• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for extra fiber.
• Cutting the sugar slightly without sacrificing sweetness by using extra ripe bananas.

6. Espresso Kick

For true coffee lovers, add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter. This deepens the flavors and enhances the coffee cake essence, making it the perfect treat alongside your morning brew.

Pro Tip:

If you’re experimenting with add-ins, keep the total mix-in amount to ¾ cup to maintain the bread’s structure and texture.

No matter how you customize it, this Coffee Cake Banana Bread is guaranteed to be a hit. Next, let’s explore some expert baking tips to make sure your loaf turns out perfectly every time!

Make-Ahead and Professional Chef Tips

Want to take your Coffee Cake Banana Bread to the next level? These expert tips will help you achieve the perfect texture, flavor, and freshness every time. Plus, if you love meal prepping, I’ve got you covered with make-ahead and storage tips!

1. How to Keep Your Banana Bread Extra Moist

• Use Overripe Bananas: The more brown spots, the better! Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, speed up the process by baking them at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until they soften.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined. Overmixing activates the gluten, leading to a dense, chewy loaf instead of a tender one.
• Sour Cream is Your Secret Weapon: Adding sour cream (or Greek yogurt) enhances the bread’s moisture and keeps it soft for days.

2. Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Bake Now, Enjoy Later: This banana bread tastes even better the next day! Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration Option: If you need to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• Freezing for Long-Term Storage:
  1. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag and place in the freezer.
  2. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  3. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave a slice for 20–30 seconds for a just-baked taste.

3. Professional Baking Tips for Perfect Results

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs or sour cream can prevent proper mixing. Let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking.
• Test for Doneness the Right Way: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your bread is ready!
• Let It Cool Properly: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and keeps the texture light.

With these tips, your Coffee Cake Banana Bread will always turn out moist, flavorful, and bakery-worthy. Now, let’s answer some common questions to ensure a seamless baking experience!

FAQs

Do you have questions about making the perfect Coffee Cake Banana Bread? Here are answers to some common baking concerns to help you achieve the best results every time.

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have overripe bananas in the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds. Drain any excess liquid before mashing to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.

2. How do I prevent my streusel topping from sinking?

To keep the cinnamon streusel crisp and on top, make sure your batter isn’t too thin. A thicker batter holds the crumb topping in place. You can also lightly press the streusel into the batter before baking.

3. What if I don’t have sour cream?

No problem! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even unsweetened applesauce. Each option will maintain moisture while slightly altering the flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are also labeled gluten-free for the best results.

5. Why is my banana bread too dense?

This usually happens if the batter is overmixed. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to avoid activating too much gluten, which can make the bread heavy instead of light and fluffy.

6. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter and swap the sour cream for coconut yogurt or almond milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice for the same tangy effect.

Have another question? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to help you make the perfect loaf every time! 😊

Coffee Cake Banana Bread

Chef Luca

This Coffee Cake Banana Bread combines the moist, rich flavor of classic banana bread with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Baked, Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (large & medium)
• Whisk & spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Fork (for mashing bananas)
• Toothpickx (for testing doneness)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

  

For the Banana Bread:

• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

 

Prepare for Baking

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Stir in the mashed bananas.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Make the Batter

• Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix!

Prepare the Streusel

• In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Add melted butter and stir until crumbs form.

Assemble and Bake

• Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
• Sprinkle half the streusel over the batter.
• Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and enjoy!

Notes

• Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze slices in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Variations: Add walnuts, chocolate chips, or espresso powder for a flavor twist.
• Baking Tip: For an extra-crispy streusel, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—but watch closely to prevent burning.

Keyword Banana bread, coffee cake, homemade sweet bread, streusel topping