There’s something utterly delightful about the aroma of freshly baked banana coffee cake wafting through your home. Imagine a warm slice, golden-brown and fluffy, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and perhaps a drizzle of glaze. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, promising a balance of rich banana flavor and that beloved coffee essence in every bite. You can almost hear it whispering, “Eat me now!” just as you finish pouring your morning coffee.

This recipe is not just about indulging in a delicious treat; it’s about creating memories. I remember the first time my grandmother baked banana coffee cake—it was during one of those lazy Sunday mornings where the sun peeked through the curtains, casting a soft glow over everything. The laughter and warmth in the kitchen made it feel special, and that sweet aroma still lingers in my memory, making every bite taste like nostalgia. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself on a weekday, this cake is bound to elevate any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Banana coffee cake is easy to prepare and makes for an impressive dessert or breakfast treat
- Its unique flavor profile combines sweet bananas with aromatic coffee for an unforgettable experience
- Visually appealing with its golden crust, it’s sure to catch everyone’s eye on the table
- Perfect for any time of day, this cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea
I once brought this banana coffee cake to a family gathering, and let me tell you—the reaction was priceless! Everyone was fighting over the last piece.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are very ripe; their natural sweetness will enhance the cake’s flavor.
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All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for better texture and rise.
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Sugar: A mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives depth to the flavor.
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Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder ensures your cake rises perfectly.
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Baking Soda: This will help achieve that delightful fluffy texture.
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Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
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Eggs: Essential for binding; use room temperature eggs for best results.
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Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; feel free to substitute with melted butter if preferred.
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Strong Brewed Coffee: This adds a lovely richness; use your favorite blend!
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Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for deeper flavor enhancement.
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Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch—use them if you’re feeling adventurous!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash Those Bananas : In a large bowl, mash three ripe bananas until smooth. The riper they are, the sweeter your cake will be!
Mix Wet Ingredients : Add sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until everything is well combined and slightly frothy.
Combine Dry Ingredients : In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well blended.
Combine Mixtures : Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be gentle here; over-mixing can lead to a dense cake!
Add Nuts (Optional) : If you’re feeling nutty (pun intended), fold in chopped walnuts or pecans gently into the batter.
Bake Away! : Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly while it bakes!
Once you’ve mastered this delightful banana coffee cake recipe, each slice brings joy wrapped in warmth—a perfect match for any occasion!
You Must Know
- Banana coffee cake is not just delicious; the aroma will transport you to a cozy café
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it’s a delightful companion to your morning coffee
- The blend of ripe bananas and coffee creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Mash the bananas first, then mix with wet ingredients. Lastly, combine dry ingredients for a lump-free batter. This order ensures smooth mixing and fluffy texture.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor. You can also swap out some flour for oats for a heartier texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover banana coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect banana coffee cake, use overripe bananas—this enhances sweetness and moisture
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy
- Finally, allow it to cool before slicing for cleaner edges and better flavor integration
Sometimes I bake this banana coffee cake on lazy Sunday mornings, and it never fails to impress friends who drop by unexpectedly!
FAQ
Can I substitute other fruits in banana coffee cake?
Yes, applesauce or pureed pumpkin works well as substitutes for bananas.
How can I make this banana coffee cake gluten-free?
Use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
What should I do if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
Place them in a brown paper bag for a day or two to speed up ripening.
Banana Coffee Cake
Banana Coffee Cake is a warm, inviting dessert that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas and aromatic coffee. With its fluffy texture and a hint of cinnamon, this delightful cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. The sweet aroma wafting through your home will have everyone eager to indulge in a slice. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas; whisk until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- If desired, fold in chopped nuts gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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