Banana Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly combines the cozy flavors of ripe bananas with a tender, moist crumb. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s also a fantastic way to start your morning. Perfectly paired with a steaming cup of coffee or served warm with a dollop of cream on top, this banana coffee cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. It offers the sweet, comforting scent of freshly baked bananas, mingling beautifully with a cinnamon note that will surely draw everyone into the kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Banana Coffee Cake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Banana Coffee Cake

The first time I baked this Banana Coffee Cake, I was looking for a way to use up some overripe bananas that were sitting on my countertop. With minimal prep, a handful of ingredients, and a heavenly aroma wafting through my home, it quickly became the go-to for breakfast and an irresistible snack. You won’t find a store-bought version quite like it; this homemade delight boasts a texture that’s both luscious and crumbly, giving you the best of both worlds. So grab your ripe bananas, and let’s bake this delightful cake together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe can be cooked up in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm spices and caramelized bananas creates a truly delightful taste that will have you reaching for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with a creamy glaze and a crumbly streusel, this coffee cake is not only delicious but visually stunning too!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat to accompany your afternoon tea.
Diet-Friendly Options: Want it gluten-free? Substitute with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to enjoy the same great taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup rolled oats: Adds a hearty texture and nuttiness to the streusel topping.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to help bind the streusel together—can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
2 tablespoons light brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the streusel and gives it a lovely caramel flavor.
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the streusel. Make sure it’s cold for best results.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor—use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
½ cup avocado oil + 1 tablespoon, separated: A healthier fat option that helps keep the cake moist. Can substitute with melted coconut oil.
3 large ripe bananas, peeled and halved: The star of the show! Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture.
¼ cup maple syrup: Provides additional sweetness and complements the banana flavor beautifully.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Again, this adds warmth, so feel free to use it generously.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together, providing structure to the cake.
⅓ cup 5% Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making the cake extra luscious.
½ cup almond milk: A dairy-free alternative that keeps the cake light and fluffy—feel free to substitute with any other milk.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake—use unbleached for a heartier version.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides the lift that makes the cake rise perfectly.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for a perfectly fluffy texture.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warm spices that remind us of homemade goodness.
4 oz. cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess to the glaze—using full-fat yields the best texture.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and provides a smooth finish.
2-3 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency for the glaze.

How to Make Banana Coffee Cake

Sauté Banana: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the halved bananas and cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown, flip and cook for another 3 minutes. This step enhances the banana flavor and adds a lovely caramelization.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy lifting later.
Make Streusel Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything together until you reach a crumbly texture that resembles coarse sand—a perfect streusel should have some clumps for texture!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This will ensure an even distribution of ingredients throughout the batter.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine ¼ cup maple syrup, ½ cup avocado oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, the sautéed bananas, ⅓ cup Greek yogurt, and ½ cup almond milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing—this keeps your cake light and fluffy.
Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top generously with the streusel mixture. Bake for 20 minutes, then cover the dish loosely with tin foil and bake for another 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The cake should look mostly set in the middle but may still jiggle slightly; it will continue to cook after you take it out.
Make the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, combine 4 oz. softened cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 2–3 tablespoons milk in a mixing bowl. Blend using a stand mixer or a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Drizzle & Enjoy: Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before lifting it out of the dish using the parchment paper. Drizzle the glaze over the top while it’s still warm and slice to serve!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Banana Coffee Cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, refrigerate it for about a week, ensuring it’s well-covered to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag; this way, you can enjoy it for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. The flavor remains delicious, but you may notice the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t Overmix: To achieve a light and fluffy cake, stir the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter your cake! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
Egg Temperature: For best results, make sure your eggs are at room temperature; they mix better into the batter.
Streusel Texture: You want crumbles, not dust. Ensure your butter is cold when mixing to keep the streusel nice and flaky.
Add Nuts or Chocolate: Feel free to customize the batter with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra fun texture and flavor.

The comforting charm of Banana Coffee Cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it ideal for breakfasts, brunches, or snacks. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas just sitting on your countertop. Experiment with your favorite add-ins, and make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Banana Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the coffee cake a day in advance. Just keep it covered to maintain freshness. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or even buttermilk. Both will provide the necessary moisture and richness to the cake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The recipe should work perfectly without any other adjustments.

How long does the glaze last?

Any leftover glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before using it again!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Easy Chocolate Chip Cake

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Banana Coffee Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Banana Coffee Cake is a delightful treat with a moist texture and rich flavors. Made with ripe bananas, creamy yogurt, and a luscious glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup avocado oil
1 tablespoon avocado oil
3 large ripe bananas
¼ cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
⅓ cup 5% greek yogurt
½ cup almond milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 oz. cream cheese
½ cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, and cook the bananas until golden brown, about 6 minutes total. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
For the streusel topping, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and vanilla together until crumbly. Set aside.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside.
In a separate bowl, blend maple syrup, avocado oil, vanilla extract, eggs, cooked bananas, yogurt, and almond milk with an electric mixer.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and top with streusel. Bake for 20 minutes, cover with foil, and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until mostly baked.
Prepare the glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
Cool the cake for 15 minutes after baking and drizzle with the glaze.

Notes

For extra flavor, add chopped nuts to the streusel topping.
Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake fluffy.
Use ripe bananas for the best sweetness.