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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Altagracia Flores says
Can I used coconut water instead of milk or almond milk I'm allergic to almonds and I'm allergic to milk
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Are you allergic to coconut milk or soy milk? They are not technically dairy products, so I'm not sure if it's the dairy you are allergic to when you say you are allergic to milk (in addition to almonds)? But I would not recommend coconut water, as it's too thin and the cake consistency would not hold up. But if you are able to have other non-dairy milk alternatives such as coconut milk or soy milk, I would try that.
E says
So good! I baked at 325 which I usually do for cakes like this with a long bake because I think my oven runs too hot, otherwise I follow to a T and I wouldn’t change a thing!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Glad to hear it, E!
Kathy says
Can you substitute gluten-free flour in this recipe? Thank you.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I have not used gluten free flour in this particular recipe before so I cannot say for sure how it will turn out. If you do try it, please let us know how it turned out!
Lizzy says
Can I substitute the almond milk for regular milk in the glaze?
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Yes! I've used almond milk before and it works great!
Amber says
Unfortunately this recipe did not turn out for us. It's like it didn't turn into a cakey texture, it's like thick and dense.
Maureen says
Likely your baking powder is expired.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Sorry it did not turn out for you, Amber. Like Maureen commented, it sounds like perhaps your baking powder has expired. Or it was over-mixed or over-baked. We've made this dozens of times - it's a regular in our house! - and have never had it turn out that way. Hope you try it again next time with success!
Mary says
Can I use sour cream in place of milk?
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Mary, you can. I personally have never made this recipe with sour cream, but in general, you can substitute sour cream for milk (with a 1:1 ratio) in baking recipes. If you do try it, please comment back here and let us know how it turns out!
Linda Lee says
This has now become my go to recipe, and it is requested every time I make it. I always double the recipe since there is never any leftovers. I follow the recipe exactly as posted and everyone loves it. I have a batch in the oven now. Thank you.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Yay! I am so glad this banana crumb cake has become a favorite of yours, Linda! Happy baking!
Amber @ Slim Pickin’s Kitchen says
Absolutely fantastic! I will definitely make again. Thank you!
Sue R says
I came across this recipe while searching the internet for something to use with over ripe bananas and it hit a home run in our house. So yummy and moist. Based on other comments I did reduce the brown sugar in the crumbs to 1/2 cup and it was perfect. I will be making this coffee cake again. Thanks!
Cataliy says
I made this cake today. The texture was good, but it was too sweet for my liking.
Ash says
Just made this last night and it's all gone today! Everyone I shared it with loved it and asked to share the recipe!
Deb says
Hi Maelynn,
Haven't made this yet. Care to share what the measured version is of those bananas would be?
Deb
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hi Deb! Honestly, there is no hard and fast exact measurement for the mashed bananas. I've made this more than 30 times in my life, and I use either 2 or 3 overripe bananas. The more bananas you use, the more dense it will be. Most people find 2 average size bananas to be just right.
amna says
I can't find coffee in ur recipe
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hi Amna! I addressed this in the post, but coffee cake traditionally does NOT have coffee in it -- it's names coffee cake because it's a cake that is made to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee :)
If you'd like to try a recipe that has coffee in it, try this Chocolate Coffee Cake - https://urbanblisslife.com/chocolate-coffee-cake/ or this Irish Coffee Cake - https://urbanblisslife.com/irish-coffee-cake/ :)
Ann says
Really good but Maybe just a tad too sweet for me.
Also, Mine came out much more dense than what is pictured on the recipe. I used three bananas like the recipe calls for but maybe they were too big? I followed the directions to the letter🤷🏻♀️
Sue says
OMG yummy made this today.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
So glad to hear you loved this banana crumb coffee cake recipe, Sue! ❤️
jeanne says
Looks absolutely delicious- do you think I could add chocolate chips?
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hi Jeanne,
While I love chocolate chips in many dishes, I don't think they would work well in this recipe. You could try some mini chocolate chips, but it would change the taste and texture entirely. If you try it, let us know how it goes!