Looking for a yummy make-ahead sweet treat? Banana Crumb Coffee Cake is perfect for brunches, afternoon tea, or even as an indulgent breakfast!
Mother's Day is this coming Sunday! How are you celebrating the moms in your life (or yourself!)?
I'm back home after spending an AMAZING 11 days in Ireland (follow my Instagram feed and stories for pics and watch for travel tips here soon!). I love traveling but it's so nice to be home with my family again. We're planning a low-key Mother's Day brunch here at our house with my parents, and my brother and his family.
Recently, I shared 35 Make-Ahead Brunch Recipes that are perfect for Mother's Day. And I am excited to share one more: my make-ahead Banana Crumb Coffee Cake!
In the words of my husband, “This is the best banana cake I’ve ever had.” It’s light, fluffy, and moist- literally so perfect!
-MELISSA
Got ripe bananas to use up?
If you buy a lot of bananas like we do, you inevitably also end up with some ripe ones near the end of their prime that you want to use up. There's only so much chocolate chip banana bread one can make.
So I also like to make this Banana Crumb Coffee Cake to mix things up.
So good!! Definitely a new favorite.
-Katie
Bananas + Coffee Cake + Crumb Topping = Food Bliss
I used to think that coffee cake had actual coffee in it. Nope. Coffee cake is named as such because it is usually enjoyed with a cup of coffee. That said, I think it would be amazing to make an espresso coffee cake! But, that's for another time.
Right now, let's talk bananas. If you have a couple of ripe bananas that you need to use up, this banana coffee cake with streusel topping recipe is a delicious way to do so!
It was delicious! Lovely recipe! Perfect with coffee!
-Kara-lynne
Dairy-Free Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
This Banana Crumb Coffee Cake recipe is:
- more moist and tender than plain ol' coffee cake, thanks to the addition of ripe bananas,
- dairy-free, although you can use regular dairy if you don't have a dairy allergy or sensitivity,
- topped with crunchy sweet crumb topping
- perfect with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snack, or after dinner dessert!
How far in advance can I make this recipe?
You can make this yummy recipe a day in advance and either store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
You can also freeze this cake inside an airtight freezer-safe container for up to one month. Simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
"Amazing! Took it to work for my staff and I have to make another one as it was gone too fast and everyone loved it! So freaking good!"
- Reader Christine
These are my tried and true kitchen essentials. These are the best kitchen tools and appliances I personally cook and bake with in my own home! From my favorite cooking tools to baking tools, the best small appliances for home cooks, and more, this kitchen essentials checklist will help you master most recipes in your home kitchen!
Best Multi-Cooker Appliance
I love my Ninja Foodi! I have the Foodi 8-Quart 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker (model FD401). In addition to pressure cooking, it can air fry, broil, dehydrate, slow cook, sear/saute, and more. And I can often cook two items - a side and a main dish - at the SAME time in the Foodi!
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Best Instant Pot
I have and use this 8-quart Instant Pot Duo a few times a week. Be sure to check out my Instant Pot Recipes!
Best Blender
This Vitamix is one of the more affordable Vitamix blenders, and it gets the job done! I use this blender almost every day, for smoothies, soups, sauces, and so much more!
Best Stand Mixer
This 5-quart KitchenAid Stand Mixer is a workhorse in my kitchen! I use it almost every day for everything from cookies to pizza dough to icing. I use mine so much, I have two: one in a limited edition Ocean Drive color, and one in white.
Daterra Cucina Cookware
Daterra Cucina is a Portland, Oregon-based family business that makes my favorite everyday cooking pans! They are professional grade, ceramic, non-stick, non-toxic pans that cook food BEAUTIFULLY and are super easy to clean. I love them and know you will, too!
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This is my newest air fryer, purchased in 2019. I love my basket style air fryer, but also needed to do recipe testing with a rack/tray style air fryer since so many of you now use this style. The InstantPot Vortex Plus is a 7-in-1 workhorse that serves as an Air Fryer, Toaster Oven, and Rotisserie Oven, which allows it to Air Fry, Rotisserie, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The 10-quart capacity means you can air fry A LOT OF FOOD in one batch! Versus making several batches in the 5-6 Quart basket style air fryers.
Best Air Fryer: Basket Style
During our kitchen remodel, I learned how to create delicious dishes using our GoWise Air Fryer, and I love it! This 5.8 Quart, 8-in-1, XL Air Fryer is perfect size for families with 3+ people.
Best Large Capacity Air Fryer Basket
This Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer is a 6 Quart, basket air fryer with 4 One-Touch Programs, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat. The basket can accommodate a 2-pound bag of fries and a 4-pound chicken.
Best Crockpot
This is my newest slow cooker - the CrockPot MyTime Slow Cooker. I LOVE it!! It's a 6-quart programmable slow cooker with an easy-to-clean ceramic pot.
Another Great Slow Cooker
I've had this Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System for 10 years, and it's amazing! I love using it mainly as a slow cooker. I also love to use it to keep food warm for parties. Cleans up easily too!
Best Ice Cream Maker
I have the older version of this 2-quart Cuisinart ice cream maker and it is still going strong after 10+ years! It's so easy to use and comes with a great little instruction booklet that's easy to follow.
More Recipes You Might Like:
- Classic Chocolate Chip Bars
- Gingerbread Loaf with Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Mini Citrus Bundt Cakes
And check out my latest cookbook, The Super Easy Teen Baking Cookbook. It has 60 beginner-friendly, step-by-step baking recipes.
Banana Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe
Banana Crumb Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Crumb Layers
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (8 tablespoons), cut into small cubes I use vegan butter to keep this dairy-free
- 1 cup all purpose flour (gradually add more by the tablespoon if needed)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature again, use vegan butter for dairy-free option
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup almond milk (you can also use 1%, 2%, whole milk, or even buttermilk)
Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease a 9" x 13" baking dish with butter or cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large bowl, use your hands or two forks to crumble together the cold butter cubes, flour, sugars, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles a crumbly topping. Set aside the crumb mixture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, mix softened butter on medium until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and mix for another minute, until well incorporated. Then add the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas, and mix just until ingredients are incorporated (do not overmix!)
- Turn the mixer down to low, and alternate mixing in milk and flour until all ingredients are combined.
- Pour half of the cake mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with ⅓ - ¼ of the crumb mixture. Then pour the remaining cake mixture on top of that layer and finally, top evenly with the remaining crumb topping.
- Bake at 350º for 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- To make the optional glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk as needed until you get the glaze consistency you prefer. Set aside.
- Cool at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top, slicing, and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Recipe was excellent. Everyone loved it!!
-April
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ctuesday says
I was thinking it’s too many ingredients and complicated but once started it was a breeze and a GREAT hit at the gathering. My new favorite recipe. I used mini loaf pans and made 7 delicious treats.
I also used buttermilk because I rarely buy milk but use buttermilk in my regular coffee cake recipe…which now has a run for its money.
Thank you for sharing!!!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Glad it was a hit! Thanks for making the recipe! :)
Gee Gee says
Very good recipe - something different than the usual banana bread. I like that it's more like a coffee cake. I split the recipe between 2 8x8" pans and it worked nicely to keep one and give one to a friend. I didn't make the glaze, it was plenty sweet without it, but as a gift, it might have had better curb appeal with the glaze. Will definitely make it again, because I always have bananas that don't get eaten before they "expire." Thanks!
Megan says
This recipe was easy to follow and tastes so good!!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
So glad to hear you loved it, Megan!
Faith says
Big hit at my house! My husband and my grandson and I (if I’m being honest) devoured half of it while it was still warm from the oven. Have tucked the rest away for tomorrow morning. Will definitely make this again for ourselves and for company. No glaze even necessary, although I’m sure that would be delicious.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
SO happy to hear you all love it, Faith! Thank you for trying my recipe! :)
Tee Bee says
In the words of Lionel Ritchie this is OUTRAGEOUS. I started buying vanilla bean paste at I think it puts it over the top. I made it for friends with GF flour and they loved it. It is amazing stored in the fridge.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
SO glad to hear you loved it!! Thank you for sharing how it turned out! :)
Rhonda Pirghibi says
Great!!
Vanessa says
Made this today and it was wonderful! Came out perfect! The only thing I did different was add about 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the crumble. It was so good I made a second one for work. Will definitely make this one again!!!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I'm so happy to hear you loved it so much you made it twice - and that you'll make it again! Warms my heart to read your review ❤️ Thank you, Vanessa, and happy baking! 🙂
Christine says
This looks amazing! Can I use frozen bananas?
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hi Christine! While I love frozen bananas, I have never used them in this recipe before, so I can't say whether they would work or not. You would at least need to thaw them first, so that they'd mash up nicely in the batter. If you do try it with thawed frozen bananas, please report back and let us all know how it went!
Chastity says
This recipe does not disappoint!! So good. I buttered and sugared the pan making the edge crunchy! Soooo yummy!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
So glad to hear you loved it, Chastity! Thank you for your comment! ❤️
Tika says
A huge hit! I was looking for a new way to use our ripe bananas, and we were blown away by this killer crumb cake. Can't wait to make it again!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Tika, I'm so glad to hear you loved my banana crumb coffee cake recipe!
Sandra says
Made this coffee cake a couple weeks ago. It was great. But my husband suggested to substitute apple filling for the bananas and have an apple crumb coffe cake.. So I used a cup of mashed apple filling in place of the bananas. All other ingredients of the cake I kept the same. It was delicious. In fact the we enjoyed the apple coffee cake better than the banana coffee cake. Both were very good. But we loved the apple crumb coffee cake best.
Helen Conley says
I am making this recipe for the first time. My brother and his family are visiting and thought I would like to try it. I'm hoping it's good that they will be taking the coffee cake home with them on their trip home.
Karina says
Can I use oatmilk?
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I have not tested this recipe using oatmilk, so I can't say for sure how it would turn out, but I have used almondmilk and coconut milk with success. If you use oatmilk, please report back how it turned out!
Kayla says
Hi there, question!
Am I able to use homemade or flour in place of the all purpose?! I have all ingredients on hand aside from the flour and would love to make this for our brunch tomorrow!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hi Kayla! Sorry - just saw your comment today. I've only used all-purpose flour in this recipe, so I can't vouch for how any other flours would work. If you do try it, let me know how it works out!
Rana says
Good flavor but the cake was very spongy
Gale says
So disappointed, maybe someone can advise what I did wrong. First it overflowed, then there was so much topping and was difficult to test with a toothpick……I took it out, it completely raw? I was so excited to find this recipe and willing to try again.
Patti Henderson says
This is a moist, sweet, little bit crunchy coffee cake. Make sure your ingredients are out prior to starting and go step-by-step. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas. Delucuous.