Small Batch Banana Coffee Cake

Small Batch Banana Coffee Cake is the perfect treat when you have just one ripe banana on hand! This moist and soft banana cake is topped with a delicious cinnamon sugar crumb for that classic coffee cake flavor. It’s an easy, one-bowl recipe that is perfect for a breakfast or a sweet treat.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Banana Coffee Cake

Perfect for One Ripe Banana: No need to waste that lone banana sitting on your counter! Since this is a small batch recipe, you only need one ripe banana.

Moist & Soft: Every bite is tender, fluffy, and full of banana flavor

Easy: This banana coffee cake is a quick, one-bowl recipe that’s simple to make and you only need a loaf pan to assemble the layers.

Ingredients

Flour – This recipe uses all-purpose flour for both the batter and the cinnamon sugar crumb mixture.
Leavening Agents – A combination of baking soda and baking powder ensures a perfect rise.
Banana – You’ll need one extra-ripe banana—the riper it is, the less sugar you’ll need, as it adds natural sweetness.
Sugar – A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar enhances the flavor and moisture.
Butter – You’ll need unsalted butter for both the batter and the crumb. I prefer melted butter in the banana batter for a soft texture and cubed butter to create a crumbly topping.
Yogurt – Use plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt. You can also substitute it with full-fat sour cream for a rich texture.
Vanilla – A splash of vanilla extract deepens the flavor of this coffee cake.
Spices – Banana and cinnamon are a perfect match, and a touch of cardamom adds warmth and extra depth to this banana coffee cake.

How To Make Banana Coffee Cake (Step By Step Instructions)

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping. In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of cardamom. Add cubed unsalted butter and use a fork or your hands to mix until crumbly. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Mash the Banana & Combine Wet Ingredients. In another bowl, mash one extra-ripe banana until smooth. Stir in melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla extract, and an egg until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

steps 1 to 4 on how to make banana coffee cake

Step 5: Assemble the Coffee Cake. Pour half of the batter into a greased loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle some of the cinnamon sugar crumb mixture on top, then add the remaining batter. Finish by generously sprinkling the rest of the crumb topping over the top.

Step 6: Bake. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool & Serve. Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea!

steps 5 to 6 on how to make banana coffee cake

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Expert Tips

Use ripe bananas since the riper the bananas, the less sugar you have to use.

Measure out your dry ingredients (especially the flour) on a weighing scale.

Use room temperature eggs, yogurt and butter.

For the crumb, use a fork or your hands to mix the butter into the cinnamon sugar mixture until it forms a sandy and crumbly texture.