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This banana coffee cake bread combines the best of both worlds – the comforting taste of banana bread with the irresistible appeal of coffee cake. It's truly a breakfast showstopper that will have your family racing to the kitchen on weekend mornings.
I first created this recipe when looking for something special to serve at a family brunch. The combination of ripe bananas, cinnamon streusel, and that surprise cream cheese layer had everyone begging for the recipe.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for this dense yet tender cake
- Very ripe bananas: Deliver the most intense natural sweetness and banana flavor
- Sour cream: Creates an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days
- Cream cheese filling: Transforms this from ordinary banana bread to extraordinary coffee cake
- Cinnamon walnut streusel: Adds a delightful texture contrast and warm spice flavor
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds aromatic depth
- Chocolate chips: Introduce melty pockets of richness throughout the cake
- Walnuts: Contribute a pleasant crunch and classic pairing with bananas
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Streusel:
- Process walnuts with flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Add cold butter and pulse until you achieve a pebbly texture. The cold butter is essential here as it creates those perfect little crumbs that bake into crispy clusters on top of your cake.
- Create the Batter:
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, taking the full three minutes to incorporate air. Add eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Mix in vanilla and mashed bananas just until combined to avoid toughening the cake.
- Layer the Components:
- Spoon most of the batter into your prepared angel food cake pan, reserving some for the cream cheese layer. Create the cream cheese filling by mixing cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and a small amount of the batter. This creates a filling that bakes perfectly into the cake without sinking or separating.
- Top and Bake:
- Spread the cream cheese layer carefully to avoid touching the sides of the pan, then cover with the remaining thin layer of batter. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon walnut streusel and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
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My favorite part of this recipe is watching people take their first bite and discover the hidden cream cheese layer. The way their eyes light up makes all the effort worthwhile!
Storage Tips
This banana coffee cake bread maintains its moisture beautifully when stored properly. After cooling completely, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 7 days. The flavors actually continue to develop over the first 24 hours, making this an ideal make-ahead treat for busy weekends or holiday mornings.
Smart Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Dairy-free friends can enjoy this cake by using plant-based butter sticks and dairy-free sour cream alternatives. Even egg allergies can be accommodated by using flax eggs instead of regular eggs. The cake maintains its wonderful texture and flavor with all these adjustments.
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Serving Suggestions
While this cake is certainly delightful on its own, consider warming individual slices for 15 seconds in the microwave before serving. The slight warmth makes the chocolate chips slightly melty and brings out the banana aroma. For an extra special breakfast, serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt alongside fresh berries for a colorful contrast.
Format Variations
This versatile batter works beautifully in different baking forms. For a quicker option, transform the recipe into banana bread muffins by filling lined muffin tins about 2/3 full and baking for approximately 20-25 minutes. For rustic presentation, the batter can be baked in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, creating beautiful caramelization along the edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I achieve a moist texture for the cake?
Ensure you use ripe bananas, full-fat sour cream, and don’t overmix your batter to retain the cake's moisture.
- → Can I make this cake without nuts?
Yes, you can skip the walnuts without affecting the overall taste and texture.
- → What alternative pans can I use?
If you don't have an angel food cake pan, you can use a cast iron pan or muffin tins, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- → Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular flour with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour for great results.
- → How long can I store this banana coffee cake?
You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.