This Banana Bread Crumb Cake is a delicious twist on traditional banana bread, offering a rich and tender crumb with a sweet, buttery topping. Each bite brings together the flavors of ripe bananas and the crunch of a perfectly baked crumb topping.
It’s an ideal treat for brunch, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert to enjoy with your favorite beverage. The added bonus of the crumb topping adds texture and a burst of flavor that makes this recipe irresistible. Serve it up on a beautiful platter for a show-stopping presentation at your next gathering.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup butter, cold
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- To make the crumb topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the crumbs form.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the banana bread batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Banana Bread Crumb Cake: A Perfect Twist on Classic Banana Bread
Banana bread is a classic favorite in many households. Its moist, tender crumb and the naturally sweet flavor of ripe bananas make it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. But what happens when you take that beloved recipe and add a crumbly, cinnamon-sugar topping? You get Banana Bread Crumb Cake—a delightful variation that adds a whole new texture and level of flavor to the classic banana bread. This cake is an irresistible combination of banana bread’s soft, pillowy center and the satisfying crunch of the crumb topping.
The Appeal of Banana Bread Crumb Cake
Banana bread on its own is comforting and delicious. It’s a reliable, easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. However, adding a crumb topping to banana bread elevates it to something extraordinary. The crumb topping is the star of the show—it’s sweet, buttery, and just slightly crunchy, creating a delightful contrast to the soft banana bread beneath. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also provides an appealing visual texture. Imagine cutting into a slice of this cake and experiencing the delicate, moist center followed by a light crunch from the topping. It’s an experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Perfect for All Occasions
One of the best things about this Banana Bread Crumb Cake is its versatility. It’s perfect for so many occasions, whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast, a casual brunch gathering, or an afternoon snack. The cake’s sweetness makes it a wonderful dessert as well. You can serve it as an after-dinner treat, paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The combination of banana and cinnamon in the crumb topping makes it particularly great for fall, evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. However, this is a treat that can be enjoyed year-round, as bananas are always in season, and the flavors of the cake are universally loved.
Baking the Banana Bread Crumb Cake
Making Banana Bread Crumb Cake is easy and doesn’t require any special equipment. The ingredients are simple—ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and a few pantry staples. The cake itself comes together quickly, and the addition of the crumb topping is straightforward. The key to success with this recipe is ensuring that the crumb topping is made with cold butter. Cold butter helps form the crumbly texture, which is what makes this topping so irresistible. If you’ve made banana bread before, you’ll find this recipe very familiar, with just the extra step of preparing the crumb topping to elevate it.
Why Choose This Banana Bread Variation?
There are a few reasons why this Banana Bread Crumb Cake is a great choice for your next baking project. First, the texture contrast between the moist banana bread and the crumb topping makes every bite a satisfying experience. The cinnamon-sugar crumb topping adds extra flavor that complements the banana without overpowering it. This version of banana bread can also be customized with mix-ins like walnuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for added variety. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or experimenting with your own add-ins, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Another great aspect of this recipe is how easily it can be doubled to serve a larger crowd. If you’re hosting a brunch or gathering, simply increase the ingredients to fill a larger pan, and you’ll have a delicious cake that everyone can enjoy. This is also a great recipe for making ahead, as it stores well at room temperature for a couple of days or can be refrigerated for even longer freshness.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure the best results, there are a few tips to keep in mind when making Banana Bread Crumb Cake. First, make sure your bananas are ripe enough. Overripe bananas, with brown spots and a squishy texture, are ideal for banana bread because they provide maximum sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can place them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 15 minutes to speed up the ripening process.
When making the crumb topping, be sure to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a sandy texture with small crumbles. If you prefer a chunkier topping, you can leave a few larger pieces of butter in the mixture. The crumb topping should be applied evenly to the cake batter, covering the surface completely to achieve a nice, even layer of crumbs after baking.
For those looking to reduce their sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute in both the batter and topping. There are many alternatives available, such as stevia or monk fruit sweeteners, that can be used without sacrificing the taste and texture of the cake.
Serving and Storing
Once your Banana Bread Crumb Cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to enjoy! It can be served as is, or for an extra touch, you could drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk. This added sweetness will enhance the flavor and give the cake a polished look.
The cake is best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake at room temperature, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up.
The Ultimate Comfort Dessert
Banana bread is a beloved treat in many households, but this Banana Bread Crumb Cake takes it to a whole new level. With its soft, moist center and crunchy, sweet topping, it’s a dessert that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to indulge in a comforting dessert, this cake is a perfect choice. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe that will be loved by family and friends alike. Once you bake it, you’ll find that this Banana Bread Crumb Cake will become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Banana Bread Crumb Cake offers an exciting variation to the classic banana bread that adds both texture and flavor. The combination of moist banana bread with a crumbly, cinnamon-infused topping is irresistible. It’s perfect for almost any occasion, from breakfast to dinner, and makes for a great dessert option as well. Not only is this cake easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins and adapt it to your taste. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Banana Bread Crumb Cake is sure to become a go-to recipe that everyone will adore. Happy baking!