Creamy Banana Coffee Cake Recipe

This banana cake recipe is my ultimate comfort food because it perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of spice from the cinnamon topping. Plus, the moist texture from the ripe bananas and sour cream makes it feel like a warm hug in every bite!

I adore blending the flavor of perfectly ripe bananas with the slight warmth of ground cinnamon in my Creamy Banana Coffee Cake. Using all-purpose flour and granulated sugar as the base, I add a generous portion of sour cream to achieve a tender crumb.

I then use brown sugar (and sometimes walnuts) to achieve a caramel flavor that boosts the overall banana experience.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar.

This provides sweetness and assists in the browning of the cake.

1/2 cup unsalted butter: imparts flavor, richness, and moisture.

Two large eggs: bind the ingredients together, create moisture, and ensure that the soufflé has the right structure and will hold together after baking.

1 1/2 cups ripe bananas, mashed: The natural sweetness, moisture, and potassium.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Supplies the framework and mass of carbohydrates.

One teaspoon of baking soda is used in the cake recipe.

It helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.

1/2 cup sour cream: Contributes creaminess and a deliciously tangy flavor that takes texture to the next level.

Optional crunch that adds protein and healthy fats: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.

1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Provides sweetness and richness of flavor.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Contributes warm spice, intensifying overall flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Your oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C). A 9×13-inch baking pan must be greased or lined with parchment paper.

2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the sugar and butter to make a creamy mixture. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine the mashed ripe bananas thoroughly throughout the mixture.

5. In a bowl apart, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, and whisk them together.

6. The dry ingredients are to be added to the banana mixture gradually, alternating with the sour cream, and mixed until just combined. Overmixing must be avoided.

7. If using, add the chopped walnuts and combine.

8. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

9. In a small bowl, the brown sugar and ground cinnamon are combined. This mixture is then evenly sprinkled over the top of the batter in the pan.

10. Cook for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking pan
3. Parchment paper (optional)
4. Mixing bowls (at least two, different sizes)
5. Electric mixer or hand whisk
6. Spatula
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Whisk
10. Spoon
11. Small bowl
12. Toothpick

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?Yes, you can utilize frozen bananas. Completely thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before mashing.
• Q: What can I use as a substitute for sour cream?Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used instead of sour cream in this recipe.
• Q: How should I store the Creamy Banana Coffee Cake?A: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for as long as 3 days, or stash it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the cake?Yes, you can add about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.
• Q: Can I omit the walnuts?A: Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you prefer not to use them.
• Q: Is it necessary to cream the butter and sugar?A: Yes, a light and airy cake comes from creaming the butter and sugar.
• Q: Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?You can use cake flour, but it may result in a slightly lighter texture.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup granulated sugar: Substitute with 1 cup coconut sugar or 3/4 cup honey for a different sweetness profile.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Substitute with 1/2 cup coconut oil or 1/2 cup vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
2 large eggs: For a vegan alternative, use 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal mixed with 5 tablespoons of water).
One and a half cups of perfectly mashed bananas can be substituted with 1 1/2 cups of something that they really shouldn’t be compared to: applesauce. Yes, big chunks of fresh, sweet bananas can be replaced with what is essentially blended up apples—the flavor profile here is way off from what is intended. But let’s say you don’t have bananas, or have a thing against them. This is technically an “ingredient swap,” but it is not a proper substitute for what you really should be using.
1/2 cup sour cream. Substitute with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or 1/2 cup buttermilk for a similarly tangy richness.

Pro Tips

1. Banana Ripeness Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and moisture. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. This will help them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture.

3. Gentle Mixing When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense cake.

4. Toasting Walnuts If using walnuts, try toasting them lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the cake.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Topping For an extra crunchy topping, incorporate a tablespoon of melted butter into the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture before sprinkling it over the batter. This will help create a deliciously crispy crust.