Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses ripe bananas, making it a great way to reduce food waste.
Features a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping for added texture.
Moist and soft cake base with a rich banana flavor.
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

Ripe bananas
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk

For the crumb topping:

Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Cinnamon
All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a smooth batter forms.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix the crumb topping ingredients until a coarse, crumbly texture forms.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-65 minutes

Variations

Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for extra crunch.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
Spiced Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk over the cake.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe with brown spots for the best sweetness and moisture.

Can I make this cake without a crumb topping?

Yes, but the crumb topping adds a delicious texture and flavor. You can replace it with a light dusting of powdered sugar instead.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but it may make the cake denser. You can use half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for a balance of texture and nutrition.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day ahead and store it at room temperature or in the fridge.

What size baking dish should I use?

A 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch square pan works best, but you can also use a round cake pan or a loaf pan.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using them in the batter.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from sinking?

Make sure the crumb topping is coarse and sprinkle it gently over the batter rather than pressing it in.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, but butter provides the best flavor.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese glaze pairs wonderfully with this cake.

Is this cake similar to coffee cake?

Yes! It has a moist cake base with a crumb topping, just like a classic coffee cake but with banana flavor.

Conclusion

Banana Crumb Cake is a delicious and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or looking for a cozy dessert, this cake is a must-try. Enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee or tea, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!

Banana Crumb Cake

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This Banana Crumb Cake is the perfect combination of moist banana cake and a buttery cinnamon crumble topping. It’s an easy homemade treat, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and a sweet streusel topping, this cake is a crowd-pleaser!