Introduction
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s a delightful blend of coffee cake and banana bread. This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a scrumptious twist, bringing together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich flavors of a classic coffee cake. Each slice delivers a moist and tender crumb, topped with a crunchy crumb topping that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumb topping
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure your golden creation slides out effortlessly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, giving your bread a rich base.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to blend in thoroughly. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas for that signature banana flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, combining these dry ingredients to perfection.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined; we want this bread to stay tender!
- Gently fold in the nuts if you’re opting for that added crunch.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over the batter, creating a delightful crunch.
- Pour in the remaining batter, and generously top it with the rest of the crumb topping for that perfect finish.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the moment when your kitchen will be filled with tantalizing aromas!
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, fostering a little patience for the best results.
Notes or Tips
If you’d like to make this recipe even more special, consider adding a swirl of chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolaty surprise. To make slicing easier, be sure to let the banana bread cool completely before cutting into it. This not only enhances the flavors but ensures clean, perfect slices!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe is an excellent opportunity to practice your baking skills! Remember to cream the butter and sugars thoroughly to incorporate air; this will help give your banana bread its lovely texture. Also, be cautious not to overmix once the flour is incorporated, as this can lead to a denser loaf. Embrace those lovely banana flavors while experimenting with different nuts or spice variations!
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
No need to waste overripe bananas! Frozen bananas work beautifully in this recipe; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How do I store leftover banana bread?
Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze, ensuring each piece is wrapped tightly.
Conclusion
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an extraordinary treat for any occasion. With its delightful warmth and inviting aroma, it’s a recipe that promises to bring joy and comfort to your kitchen. Whip up a loaf today, and watch as it becomes a cherished staple in your baking repertoire!