Coffee Cake Banana Bread

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Coffee cake banana bread brings together the moist sweetness of classic banana bread with the irresistible crumb of a great coffee cake. Imagine tender slices layered with a ribbon of cinnamon sugar, each bite topped with golden streusel and a gentle vanilla glaze. This recipe makes a wonderful breakfast, a mid-morning snack, or a comforting dessert with friends.

Why Bake Coffee Cake Banana Bread?

Banana bread is a staple in home baking, cherished for its simplicity and satisfying flavor. By borrowing the cinnamon streusel and light glaze from coffee cake, this version introduces a playful twist with extra texture and flavor. Whether you have extra bananas to use up or crave something special for weekend brunch, this recipe fits the bill. It’s also an excellent option for gifting, as it stays moist for days.

Ingredients

Below is a comprehensive list of what you’ll need. Gather everything before you start, and measure carefully for the best results.

For the Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk and wooden spoon
• Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
• 9×5-inch loaf pan (or 8×8-inch square pan)
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Pan and Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper and exposed sides with butter or baking spray.

2. Making the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with cinnamon. Set this aside. This will go between layers of batter, adding flavor and visual appeal.

3. Preparing the Streusel Topping

Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in another bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture forms small, crumbly clumps. Chill this while you prepare the bread, so the butter stays firm.

4. Mixing the Banana Bread Batter

• In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon with some elbow grease.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until well incorporated.
• Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Add the dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with sour cream. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough bread.

5. Layering and Assembly

• Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared pan.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
• Spoon the remaining batter on top. Gently spread to cover the cinnamon layer.
• Sprinkle the chilled streusel over the top, covering the entire surface.

6. Baking

Bake on the middle rack for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Ovens vary, so start checking at 50 minutes. If the topping darkens too quickly, place a loose tent of foil over the loaf during the last 15 minutes.

7. Cooling

Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper. Place on a wire rack and leave until fully cool before glazing.

8. Finishing with the Glaze

Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. If too thick, add milk in tiny amounts. Drizzle over the cooled bread in a zig-zag motion. Let the glaze set before slicing.

Tips for a Perfect Bake

• Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with speckled, blackening peels. They mash easily and give more flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temp for better mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined for a soft, tender crumb.
• Custom Mix-Ins: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
• Pan Options: Use a square pan for coffee-cake-style slices, or a loaf pan for classic banana bread. Adjust baking time if using a different pan size.

Troubleshooting and Questions

Why Did My Banana Bread Sink?

Sinking can result from overmixing, underbaking, or too much leavening. Always check doneness with a toothpick and stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears.

Storing Leftovers

Coffee cake banana bread keeps well. If you have leftovers, follow these steps:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled, glazed (or unglazed) slices in an airtight container. They stay moist up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate bread for up to 7 days. Bring slices to room temp or warm briefly to soften.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled, unglazed bread tightly in plastic and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight. Add fresh glaze after thawing for best results.

Reheating Best Practices

• Microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds.
• Warm larger portions in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Sample Variations

Try these simple changes to personalize your banana bread:

Serving Suggestions

Coffee cake banana bread works at many occasions:

• Breakfast: Serve with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
• Snack: Pair with coffee or tea in the afternoon.
• Dessert: Warm a slice, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For gatherings, slice thick pieces and arrange on a tray. The swirl and crumble topping make each slice attractive on its own.

The Joy of Baking Banana Bread

Few things fill a kitchen with such warmth and comfort as banana bread fresh from the oven. Adding a ribbon of cinnamon and a crumbly streusel brings out more flavor and delight in every bite. This coffee cake banana bread is a treat to bake and share.

Give it a try the next time you discover ripe bananas on your counter. One slice and you’ll understand why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your collection.