Introduction
Welcome to a delightful fusion of flavors with this Coffee Cake Banana Bread! Imagine the warm, inviting aroma wafting through your home as you bake this treat. With its rich, moist texture and a sweet, crumbly topping, this banana bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a comforting dessert. Each slice is a harmonious blend of banana goodness and the cozy spices you crave. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Topping:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for now.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy, enveloping your senses with a sweet aroma.
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition for a smooth batter.
- Stir in the ripe mashed bananas, aromatic vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt or sour cream until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that lovely moist texture!
- If you’re using nuts, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans now for that extra crunch.
- In a small bowl, mix together the topping ingredients: brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if you’re using them) until evenly combined.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle half of the topping mixture on top, creating a delightful layer of sweetness.
- Follow with the remaining batter, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the topping mixture over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas; the spots on the peel indicate they’re perfect for baking!
- Customize your loaf by using different nuts or adding chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- This banana bread can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months — just make sure to double wrap it!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves basic baking techniques such as creaming, mixing, and folding. Creaming butter and sugars together properly introduces air into the mix, giving the loaf its fluffy texture. Folding in the nuts gently preserves the airiness of the batter, ensuring a soft and moist bread.
FAQ
- Can I substitute the Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream as a perfect substitute, or even a non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free version. - What can I use if I don’t have walnuts or pecans?
Feel free to leave them out or substitute them with other nuts, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Conclusion
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is not just a treat; it’s a heartwarming experience meant to be shared with friends and family. Every forkful is a bite of comfort, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy eating it! Happy baking!