When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s a warm slice of banana coffee cake, fresh out of the oven, sending waves of sweet and nutty aromas swirling through the kitchen. Picture this: a golden-brown loaf, speckled with chocolate chips, topped with a crumbly streusel that glistens like fairy dust. Each bite offers a delightful balance of moist banana goodness and rich coffee undertones that makes my taste buds do a happy dance.
This recipe isn’t just about indulging in sweet flavors; it’s about creating memories. I remember baking this treat on lazy Sunday mornings with my grandma, her laughter mixing with the smell of coffee brewing. We’d sneak bites before breakfast, giggling like kids. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply need a pick-me-up during the week, this banana coffee cake is your new best friend.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The banana coffee cake is incredibly easy to whip up, even for beginner bakers
- Its delightful flavor profile combines sweet bananas and rich coffee for an irresistible treat
- The stunning visual appeal makes it perfect for sharing at gatherings or cozy family breakfasts
- Enjoy it warm or chilled—it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion!
I once brought this banana coffee cake to a potluck, and everyone kept asking for seconds (and thirds).
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ripe Bananas: Use 3-4 medium bananas for optimal sweetness; the riper the better for flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount balances the natural sweetness of bananas while enhancing richness.
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Brown Sugar: This adds depth and moisture; it’s like giving your cake a warm hug!
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All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure; sift it for fluffiness.
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Baking Soda: Essential for leavening; make sure it’s fresh to achieve that perfect rise.
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Salt: A pinch elevates all flavors; don’t skip it.
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Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together beautifully.
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Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an aromatic boost that enhances flavor.
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Coffee (brewed): Choose your favorite brew; strong coffee intensifies the flavor profile wonderfully.
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Chocolate Chips (optional): For a decadent twist; dark chocolate pairs fabulously with bananas!
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Cinnamon (optional): Add a teaspoon for warmth that complements the bananas perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mash Those Bananas!: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You want them creamy with just a few lumps remaining for texture—like clouds in your batter!
Mix in Sugars and Eggs: Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Stir well until combined, then mix in two large eggs until everything blends beautifully.
Add Wet Ingredients and Coffee: Pour in vanilla extract and brewed coffee into the mixture. Stir gently until all wet ingredients are combined—your kitchen should start smelling heavenly by now!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined—overmixing will lead to a dense cake!
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you’re feeling indulgent, fold in those chocolate chips gently—this is where dreams come true!
Pour Batter into Pan : Pour your luscious batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula; it’ll create an inviting surface when baked.
Bake Until Golden Brown : Bake in your preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes—you don’t want burnt edges ruining this beauty!
Cool and Serve : Allow your banana coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Slice warm or chilled—either way is blissful!
Enjoy your delicious banana coffee cake! It’s perfect paired with more coffee or tea as you savor each bite filled with nostalgia and warmth.
You Must Know
- Banana coffee cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee and ripe bananas
- The moist texture and sweet aroma will have everyone craving more
- It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with friends
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar, then add eggs and mashed bananas before mixing in dry ingredients. This sequence ensures even blending for a fluffy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for a unique twist on your banana coffee cake. Personalizing it can enhance flavor profiles dramatically.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover banana coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture; overripe is best
- Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the cake tender and fluffy
- Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean but moist
Sharing my first attempt at baking banana coffee cake was hilarious; I accidentally used salt instead of sugar! The surprised faces were priceless, but it turned into a family tradition we still laugh about today.
FAQ
What makes banana coffee cake different from regular coffee cake?
Banana coffee cake includes ripe bananas, adding moisture and natural sweetness to the flavor profile.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well; just ensure they are well-mashed before use.
How can I make banana coffee cake gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend will work perfectly for this recipe.

Banana Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Banana coffee cake is the ultimate comfort food, blending the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich coffee flavors. This moist, tender cake features a delightful crumb and is topped with a crunchy streusel, making it perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, every bite evokes nostalgia and cozy memories. Whip up this easy recipe and treat your family and friends to a delicious slice of happiness.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (medium)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee (strong)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth with some lumps for texture.
- Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing well before adding eggs.
- Mix in vanilla extract and brewed coffee until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- If desired, gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg