This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a yummy treat that combines the flavors of moist banana bread and crumbly coffee cake. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Every slice is like a hug in a loaf! I love how it fills my kitchen with the smell of fresh bananas and sweet spices. Pair it with a cup of coffee, and you’re set! ☕
Making it is super easy—even my dog watches me bake with interest! Just mash those bananas, mix, and bake. Enjoying a slice while it’s warm is my favorite part!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. If you have overripe ones lying around, they’re perfect! In a pinch, you can use store-bought banana puree instead.
Sour Cream: This adds moistness and richness to the bread. If you’re out, plain yogurt is a great stand-in. Greek yogurt can also work, but it might make the texture a bit thicker.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control salt levels. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or even use applesauce for a lighter option.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to skip them or replace them with chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
How Do I Get the Right Texture Without Overmixing?
A common challenge in baking banana bread is mixing the batter just enough to get the right texture. You want it light and fluffy but also mixed well. Here’s how to do it:
- Blend your wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the dry ingredients.
- When combining wet and dry mixtures, add them gradually. Start and end with dry ingredients.
- Mix until you see no dry flour—stop there! Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
By being gentle during this stage, you’ll ensure your coffee cake banana bread turns out soft and delicious. Enjoy baking!
How to Make Coffee Cake Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- Additional banana slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious coffee cake banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Once it cools for about 10 minutes, you can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the banana bread from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Bananas:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a different bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the optional ground cinnamon, making sure there are no lumps.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Do this in alternating parts, adding a little of the dry mix, then some sour cream, and repeat until everything is combined, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is blended.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix the chopped walnuts or pecans with a little sugar, then sprinkle it over the top of the batter for a delicious crunch.
7. Bake the Banana Bread:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the coffee cake banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, adding extra banana slices on top if you like. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Other Types of Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, or even buttermilk in this recipe. Just keep in mind that using Greek yogurt will result in a denser texture, which can be delicious but slightly different from the original recipe!
What Can I Use Instead of Butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil, vegetable oil, or a plant-based butter alternative. Just remember that melted coconut oil might add a light coconut flavor, which works well with banana!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature.
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just keep an eye on the total amount of mix-ins to avoid altering the batter’s consistency too much.
