Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This Banana Coffee Cake recipe is your answer. It's the perfect blend of sweet banana and subtly spiced coffee flavors, creating a comforting dessert or delightful breakfast treat. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experienced bakers. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Make the Cake Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This dry ingredient mixture is the foundation of a light and fluffy cake.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to a tender crumb.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas and cooled coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Prepare the Crumble Topping:
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In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping.
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Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Bake the Cake:
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Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
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Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling when you cut it.
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Dust with powdered sugar (optional) for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Tips for the Best Banana Coffee Cake:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Let the cake cool completely: This prevents the cake from crumbling when you cut it and allows the flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers properly: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Coffee Cake: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Nutty Banana Coffee Cake: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Glazed Banana Coffee Cake: Make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice and drizzle it over the cooled cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Saturated Fat: 8-10g Cholesterol: 50-60mg Sodium: 200-250mg Carbohydrates: 40-45g Sugar: 20-25g Protein: 4-5g
This Banana Coffee Cake is a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy!