Name: Banana Crumb Cake - A Comforting Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup all purpose flour; ¾ cup light brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1-⅓ cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 3 bananas); ⅓ cup sour cream; ¾ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon half and half or milk; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Table of Contents: Banana Crumb Cake

Banana Crumb Cake

Remember the simple joys of childhood? The smell of something sweet baking in the oven, a warm slice shared with loved ones… this Banana Crumb Cake brings all those comforting memories back, and creates new ones too. If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please, look no further. This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a hug in a slice!

This recipe is for those who appreciate a delicious bake without spending hours in the kitchen. Forget complicated layers and fussy frosting – this banana crumb cake is a straightforward, satisfying recipe perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, seeking a comforting dessert for a family dinner, or simply want a little something special for a weeknight coffee break, this cake delivers.

It offers the familiar warmth of banana bread but with a delightful textural contrast thanks to the generous, buttery crumb topping. A truly delightful quick bread to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find recipes for this delicious treat labeled as “Banana Streusel Cake” or simply “Banana Coffee Cake” due to its texture and ideal pairing with a morning cup. If you’re looking for a banana bread alternative, this is a fantastic option, offering a similar flavor profile in a different form.

For a little added flair, consider swirling in some chocolate chips into the batter, or adding a touch of rum to the icing for an adult twist! Nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, can also be incorporated into the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.

Ingredients: Banana Crumb Cake

Crumb Topping:

* ¾ cup all purpose flour
* ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended!)

Cake:

* 1-⅓ cups all purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
* ⅓ cup sour cream

Icing:

* ¾ cup powdered sugar
* 1 tablespoon half and half or milk
* ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures the cake releases easily and doesn’t stick. Chef Tip: Using parchment paper to line the base of the pan provides an extra layer of security!

2. Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside. This is best done first, as the topping needs to be ready to sprinkle.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer is your friend here, but you can certainly do it by hand with some elbow grease!

4. Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg until well combined, then stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure everything is blended smoothly.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This evenly distributes the leavening and spices.

6. Alternate Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients (e.g., flour mixture – sour cream – flour mixture). Mix until just combined. Overmixing will result in a tough cake.

7. Fold in Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Don’t be afraid of a few streaks of banana! Chef Tip: The riper the bananas, the more flavorful and moist your cake will be.

8. Pour & Sprinkle: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.

9. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Chef Tip: Check on the cake around 25 minutes. If the topping is browning too quickly, lightly tent the pan with aluminum foil.

10. Cool & Ice: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, half and half (or milk), and vanilla extract for the icing. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 8-12
Approximate Calories: 350-400 per serving (depending on icing amount)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This banana crumb cake recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The use of softened butter and creamed sugar creates a tender crumb, which is then beautifully contrasted by the crunchy, golden brown crumb topping.

The addition of sour cream adds a subtle tang and incredible moisture, preventing the cake from becoming dry. Using melting butter creates a more cohesive crumb, perfect for achieving that textured bake.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the generous amount of crumb topping. It’s arguably the best part! It transforms a simple banana cake into a delightful, comforting treat; perfect for a cozy afternoon or easy comfort food for family dinners. Remember, this is a quick bread, so keeping the mixing minimal is crucial for tender results.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftover banana crumb cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick treat.

Reheating: To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a warmer, more refreshed slice, reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-10 minutes. This is a wonderful way to enjoy a slice of banana bread alternative even days after baking!

People Also Ask: Banana Crumb Cake

How do you make a Banana Crumb Cake?

Making a banana crumb cake is a surprisingly simple process! You start by creating a delicious crumb topping with flour, brown sugar, melted butter and cinnamon. Then, you prepare the cake batter by creaming together butter and sugar, adding an egg and vanilla extract, followed by alternating dry and wet ingredients.

Finally, mashed ripe bananas are folded in, and the batter is topped with the crumb mixture and baked until golden. It is a satisfyingly simple recipe – perfect whether you are new to baking or a seasoned pro.

What is the difference between banana bread and banana crumb cake?

While both banana bread and banana crumb cake feature the delightful flavor of bananas, the key differences lie in their texture and presentation. Banana bread is typically a more dense and loaf-shaped bread, often baked in a traditional bread pan.

Banana crumb cake, on the other hand, has a lighter, more delicate crumb, and is usually baked in a sheet pan. The most distinctive feature of banana crumb cake is its crumb topping, which adds a wonderful crunch and sweetness that banana bread typically lacks.

How do you make a good crumb topping?

A good crumb topping is all about texture! The secret lies in not overmixing. Combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon) and then cut the cold or melted butter into the mixture using a pastry blender, fork, or even your fingertips. You want pea-sized crumbs, not a smooth paste.

The cold butter helps create distinct pockets that become delightfully crunchy when baked. This ensures a lovely, golden, and appealing crust on top of the bake.

Is this a good recipe for overripe bananas?

Absolutely! This recipe is ideal for utilizing those overly ripe bananas that are sitting on your countertop. In fact, the riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas are much sweeter and have a more intense banana flavor, which translates beautifully into this banana crumb cake.

They also mash more easily, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture. Don’t throw away those brown bananas – bake them into this delicious cake!

Conclusion: Banana Crumb Cake

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for a truly irresistible Banana Crumb Cake! It’s a bake that’s guaranteed to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to the faces of those you share it with. I have no doubt you will love how easy this recipe is, and how incredibly delicious the results are.

Don’t hesitate to give it a try, and be sure to leave a comment below letting me know what you think! I love hearing from you all. Happy baking!