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I'm excited to share my favorite banana coffee cake recipe with you! It combines everything we love about banana bread and coffee cake into one amazing treat. The cake is super moist packed with banana flavor and topped with the most incredible cinnamon streusel. It's perfect any time of day and I love how it makes the whole house smell amazing while it bakes.
What Makes This Cake Special
There's something magical about how the sweet bananas and warm cinnamon come together in this recipe. It's my favorite way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on the counter. Every time I make it for friends or family they beg for the recipe.
Everything You Need
- Sugar: Both regular and brown sugar make it perfectly sweet.
- Browned Butter: This is my secret weapon adds amazing nutty flavor.
- Ripe Bananas: The spottier the better they're sweeter that way.
- Cinnamon: Plenty for that cozy streusel topping.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose keeps it light and fluffy.
- Baking Powder: Helps it rise beautifully.
- Milk: I use whole milk makes everything extra rich.
- Egg: Just one to hold it all together.
- Salt: A pinch brings out all the flavors.
Let's Make It Together
- Start With The Wet Stuff
- Mix your sugar browned butter and egg until smooth then add milk and mashed bananas.
- Get Your Dry Mix Ready
- Whisk flour baking powder and salt in another bowl no lumps allowed.
- Combine Everything
- Gently mix wet and dry ingredients just until they come together don't overmix.
- Make That Amazing Topping
- Mix brown sugar cinnamon and soft butter until crumbly.
- Into The Oven
- Pour batter in your pan sprinkle with streusel and bake at 350°F until golden about 30 minutes.
- Cool A Bit
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting hard as that might be.
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The Magic of Browned Butter
Trust me on the browned butter it makes such a difference. That nutty rich flavor takes this cake from great to absolutely incredible. It's worth those extra few minutes to brown it.
Never Waste A Banana
I always keep frozen bananas ready for baking. Just peel them pop them in a freezer bag and they're there whenever you need them. They get super sweet in the freezer too.
That Crumbly Topping
The streusel is my favorite part crispy sweet and loaded with cinnamon. It gets all golden and caramelized while baking creating the perfect contrast to the soft cake underneath.
Keeping It Fresh
This cake stays good for about 3 days in a container on your counter. Want to warm it up? Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds it tastes like it just came out of the oven.
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Perfect Partners
Nothing beats a slice of this cake with your morning coffee. Sometimes I'll have it with afternoon tea too or even a cold glass of milk. It's just that versatile.
Making It Your Own
Feel free to get creative! Throw in some chocolate chips add chopped walnuts or sprinkle in some coconut. This recipe is super forgiving and fun to experiment with.
Tips for Success
Make sure those bananas are nice and ripe you want them super spotty. And remember don't overmix the batter that's the secret to keeping it tender and light.
Adding Some Chocolate
Sometimes I toss in some chocolate chips because who doesn't love chocolate and banana together? They get all melty and delicious making this cake even more special.
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Why We Love Coffee Cake
There's something so cozy about coffee cake. This banana version has become my go to it's simple enough for everyday but special enough for company.
Making It Gluten Free
My gluten free friends love this made with their favorite flour blend. Just make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten free and you're good to go.
Saving Those Bananas
Don't toss those overripe bananas! Pop them in the fridge if you'll use them soon or freeze them for later. They're like gold for baking.
Why This Recipe Works
This cake has everything you want moist cake sweet bananas and that amazing streusel top. Plus it's so easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
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Perfect Any Time
I serve this for breakfast brunch or dessert. It's one of those recipes that just works any time of day and everyone always loves it.
Freezing For Later
This cake freezes beautifully. I wrap slices individually pop them in the freezer and grab one whenever I need a treat. They thaw quickly too.
Mix It Up
Try switching up the spices maybe add some nutmeg or cardamom. Sometimes I drizzle a simple glaze on top makes it look extra fancy.
Sharing The Love
This cake is meant for sharing. I love making it for friends or bringing it to gatherings. There's something special about sharing homemade treats and this one never disappoints.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is brown butter and why use it?
- Brown butter is regular butter cooked until golden brown, adding a rich, nutty flavor to both cake and streusel. Watch carefully while browning to avoid burning.
- → Can I use regular butter instead?
- While regular melted butter will work, brown butter adds a unique depth of flavor that makes this coffee cake special.
- → How ripe should the bananas be?
- Use overripe bananas with dark peels for the best flavor and natural sweetness. They're easier to mash and provide better banana taste.
- → Why does baking time vary?
- Different pan materials and thicknesses affect baking time. Thinner pans take about 30 minutes, while thicker ones need up to 40 minutes.
- → Are nuts required in the streusel?
- Nuts are optional but add nice texture and flavor. You can use either pecans or walnuts, or omit them entirely.