Name: Banana Coffee Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (195g); 0.75 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 0.5 cups granulated sugar (100g); 0.5 cups light brown sugar (packed, 100g); 0.33 cups sour cream (room temp, 80g); 1 large egg (room temp); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 0.75 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas, 190g); 3 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 cups all-purpose flour (150g); 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 0.33 cups granulated sugar (65g); 0.33 cups light brown sugar (packed, 65g); 0.5 cups unsalted butter (melted, 110g); 0.5 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk

Introduction to Banana Coffee Cake

A delicious slice of banana coffee cake can truly brighten your day, especially for busy young professionals navigating the hustle of daily life. This delightful treat combines the comforting flavors of ripe bananas with a rich cinnamon swirl, tantalizing your taste buds without requiring much prep time. Whether you're craving a quick breakfast on a hectic morning or a sweet pick-me-up during a coffee break, this cake is the ideal companion for your coffee or tea.

Why is banana coffee cake particularly suited for young professionals? First, baking this cake allows you to utilize overripe bananas, minimizing food waste and saving money. A 2020 study highlighted that around 30% of food waste comes from fruits and vegetables. By embracing recipes like this, you're contributing to a greener planet while indulging in comfort food. Additionally, with only a few simple ingredients, this recipe boasts remarkable versatility—you can easily modify it to satisfy various taste preferences or dietary restrictions, as found in many baking blogs.

So, why not take a break and whip up a batch? Your taste buds and your well-being will thank you! Check out more about reducing food waste through cooking here.

Ingredients for Banana Coffee Cake

Essential ingredients for a delicious banana coffee cake

Creating a delightful banana coffee cake is easier than you might think! Let’s break down the essential ingredients you'll need to whip up this scrumptious treat:

All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups for the tender cake base and an additional cup for the crumble.
Bananas: ¾ cup of mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas) provides that signature banana flavor.
Sugars: A blend of ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed light brown sugar creates a perfectly sweet cake.
Dairy: 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ⅓ cup of room-temperature sour cream, and 1 large egg contribute to the moistness.
Cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons for a warm, aromatic swirl in the cake and a touch in the crumble.

To elevate your banana coffee cake even further, consider adding some homemade salted caramel on top! Your taste buds will thank you. For more tips on perfectly ripe bananas, check out this article on banana storage. Enjoy your baking!

Preparing Banana Coffee Cake

Making a delightful banana coffee cake is a straightforward process that is both fun and rewarding. As you gather your ingredients and mix everything together, the sweet aroma of bananas and warm spices will fill your kitchen. Let’s break down the steps to create this delicious treat that will impress your friends and family!

Gather and prep your ingredients

Start by collecting all your ingredients. You’ll need:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda and salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar
Sour cream
An egg
Vanilla extract
Ripe bananas (about two medium-sized ones)

Don’t forget to prepare your 8×8 baking pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper. The parchment should hang over the sides to make it easy to remove your cake later. It’s all about making sure your banana coffee cake comes out perfectly!

Make the crumble topping

In a separate bowl, it’s time to whip up the ever-important crumble topping. Combine:

All-purpose flour
Cinnamon
Granulated and light brown sugars

Drizzle in the melted butter and mix it all together until it resembles wet sand. This will create that irresistible crunch on top of your cake. After mixing, place the crumble in the refrigerator to chill—it will firm up nicely while you prepare the cake batter.

Mix the banana cake batter

Now, let’s move on to the heart of the banana coffee cake. Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted butter, mixing them until well incorporated. Then, add in the sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, and the mashed bananas. Mix until everything is smooth.

Once the wet ingredients are well combined, gently fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake that’s moist and fluffy!

Layer the ingredients in the baking pan

Start by spreading half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Now, sprinkle a blend of brown sugar and cinnamon over the batter for that delightful swirl. Next, carefully spoon the rest of the batter on top and spread it out evenly. Finally, take that chilled crumble from the fridge, and sprinkle it generously over the top layer of batter.

Bake to perfection

Now it’s time for the magic to happen! Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the banana coffee cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let it cool for about 30 minutes, and while waiting, consider drizzling it with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for that extra touch of sweetness.

And there you have it! A wonderfully simple guide to preparing a delicious banana coffee cake. Your friends and family won’t believe how easy it was to create this impressive treat. Enjoy!

Variations on Banana Coffee Cake

Banana Coffee Cake with Nuts

For a delightful crunch, consider adding nuts to your banana coffee cake. Chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top of the crumble. This not only enhances flavor but also gives your cake a delightful texture. A great tip is to toast the nuts beforehand; this boosts their nutty aroma and takes your cake up a notch.

Glazed Banana Coffee Cake

If you're looking to elevate your banana coffee cake, a simple glaze can do wonders. Just whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled cake. For an extra layer of flavor, you might replace the milk with strong brewed coffee or a hint of vanilla extract. This glaze not only adds sweetness but also a glossy finish that makes your cake look as delicious as it tastes!

Explore these variations to find your perfect version of banana coffee cake, and embrace the creativity in baking!

Baking Notes for Banana Coffee Cake

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When making your banana coffee cake, it's easy to run into a few common issues. Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture, so be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients. Also, using unripe bananas will result in a lack of that signature banana flavor; always opt for ripe, speckled bananas. Lastly, resist the urge to skip the cooling time—cutting too early can lead to a messy, crumbled cake.

Tips for Achieving the Ideal Texture

To achieve that perfect, moist texture in your banana coffee cake, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly, creating a luscious batter. Additionally, consider adding a few extra tablespoons of sour cream for added moisture. Using fresh ingredients, like freshly ground spices, can elevate the flavor profile, making your cake unforgettable. For more expert tips, check out resources like Serious Eats for baking insights!

Serving suggestions for Banana Coffee Cake

How to serve with coffee

Enjoying banana coffee cake with your favorite brew is a match made in heaven. For a delightful pairing, try a rich espresso or a smooth latte. The cake's sweetness beautifully complements the boldness of coffee, enhancing its flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of cinnamon to your coffee for a cozy twist.

Creative pairings for brunch

Elevate your brunch spread by serving banana coffee cake alongside some delicious options. Consider fresh seasonal fruits like berries or citrus for a bright contrast. Fluffy scrambled eggs with turkey bacon or chicken ham can create a satisfying balance. A simple salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette can also add a refreshing touch. For an extra special touch, pair it with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or an herbal tea like chamomile. These combinations will make your brunch unforgettable!

For more brunch ideas, check out The Kitchn's brunch inspirations.

Tips for Making Perfect Banana Coffee Cake

Ensuring Even Baking

To achieve a beautifully baked banana coffee cake, make sure your oven is properly preheated. Adjust the baking pan’s position to the center of the oven for even heat distribution. Additionally, rotate the pan halfway through baking; this simple step helps create a golden brown crust. If you have an oven thermometer, it’s an excellent tool to ensure your temperature is spot on!

The Importance of Ripe Bananas

Using ripe bananas is essential for the best flavor and moisture. They should be freckled and slightly soft to the touch. The natural sugars in ripe bananas enhance the sweetness and add that delicious banana flavor. If you only have green bananas, consider placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process. Checking out guides on how to ripen bananas—like this one from The Spruce Eats—can be really helpful!

Time details for Banana Coffee Cake

Preparation time
Get started on this delicious treat in just 15 minutes. It’s a breeze to gather your ingredients and mix everything together for the banana coffee cake batter.

Baking time
Once the batter is ready, bake it in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen and have everyone eager to taste!

Total time
From start to finish, including cooling, your homemade banana coffee cake will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It’s well worth the wait as the flavors blend beautifully during cooling.

For a complete guide to whip up this delightful cake, check out the full Banana Coffee Cake recipe. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information for Banana Coffee Cake

Calories per slice

Each slice of this delightful banana coffee cake contains approximately 210 calories. This makes it a satisfying treat without going overboard on your daily caloric intake.

Sugar content

In terms of sweetness, each slice has about 10 grams of sugar. This balance perfectly complements the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, giving you that indulgent flavor you crave!

Suggested serving size

For the best experience, enjoy one slice as a satisfying dessert or paired with your morning coffee. If you’re sharing, this recipe yields 16 slices, making it great for get-togethers or family gatherings.

For more information on the health benefits of bananas, consider checking out Healthline's overview of bananas for insight into this powerhouse fruit!

FAQs about Banana Coffee Cake

Can I freeze banana coffee cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze banana coffee cake for up to three months. Just make sure it's completely cooled before you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also slice it before freezing for convenient portions. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

To keep your banana coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating it to prevent spoilage. Just be aware that refrigeration may alter its texture slightly.

Can I substitute ingredients in banana coffee cake?

Definitely! This banana coffee cake is flexible. You can swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Instead of sour cream, Greek yogurt works wonderfully. Feel free to use maple syrup instead of sugar if you prefer a natural sweetener. Get creative and make it your own!

For more baking tips, check out this expert guide on ingredient substitutions.

Conclusion on Banana Coffee Cake

Why You Should Try Making This Comforting Treat

Making this banana coffee cake is a delightful way to elevate your baking skills while enjoying a warm, comforting treat. The combination of moist banana cake, cinnamon sugar, and a crunchy crumble creates an irresistible experience perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon snack. Try it today!