Banana Bread Coffee Cake

Banana Bread Coffee Cake is the perfect fusion of two classic treats—banana bread and coffee cake. With the moist, rich texture of banana bread and the crumbly, cinnamon-sugar streusel topping of a traditional coffee cake, this dessert or breakfast treat is irresistibly delicious. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while the crumb topping adds a delightful crunch with every bite. Whether served with a cup of coffee in the morning or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, this banana bread coffee cake is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the streusel topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt).
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
5. Assemble the cake: Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
6. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel is golden brown.
7. Cool and serve: Let the banana bread coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

This Banana Bread Coffee Cake offers the perfect combination of moist banana goodness and a sweet, crunchy topping, making it a delicious treat for any time of day!