Banana Cinnamon Coffee Cake: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Tips

Sticky Bun Chia Pudding: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm, gooey sticky buns, but without the guilt or the hours spent kneading dough. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a decadent treat disguised as a healthy start to your day. I’ve taken the beloved flavors of a classic sticky bun and transformed them into a creamy, satisfying chia pudding that’s ready in minutes.

Sticky buns, with their origins possibly tracing back to German “Schnecken,” have been a comforting indulgence for generations. Their rich, caramel-kissed sweetness and soft, pillowy texture are simply irresistible. But let’s be honest, sometimes we crave that flavor without the added sugar and effort. That’s where this Sticky Bun Chia Pudding comes in!

People adore sticky buns for their comforting sweetness, their delightful chewiness, and the sheer joy of peeling apart those layers of dough. This chia pudding captures all of that magic, offering a similar flavor profile with the added benefits of chia seeds. It’s packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein, making it a nutritious and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds – the indulgence of a sticky bun and the wholesome goodness of chia pudding!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• For the Coffee Glaze (Optional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

Okay, let’s start with the streusel. This is the best part, in my opinion! It adds such a delightful crunch and sweetness to the top of the cake.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Add Cold Butter: Add the 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of cold butter, cut into small pieces, to the dry ingredients.
3. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (my preferred method!), cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small clumps of butter throughout. Don’t overmix! The cold butter is key to creating that crumbly texture.
4. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For best results, cover the bowl and chill the streusel topping in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter. This helps the butter stay cold and prevents the streusel from melting too quickly in the oven.

Making the Banana Coffee Cake Batter:

Now for the main event – the cake batter! This is where the magic happens, and the delicious banana and coffee flavors come together.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also use baking spray with flour. This will ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and baking powder are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a light and fluffy cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale and airy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the 1 cup mashed ripe bananas, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup cooled strong brewed coffee. The coffee enhances the banana flavor and adds a subtle depth to the cake.
6. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the banana mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake. I usually add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then 1/2 of the banana mixture, then another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, the remaining banana mixture, and finally the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients.

Assembling and Baking the Coffee Cake:

Almost there! Now it’s time to put everything together and bake this beauty.

1. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the cake batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Sprinkle Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping evenly over the cake batter. Don’t be shy – the more streusel, the better!
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
4. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Coffee Glaze (Optional):

If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness and coffee flavor, this glaze is the perfect finishing touch. It’s super easy to make!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons cooled strong brewed coffee, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add more coffee, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin.
2. Drizzle Glaze: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the coffee glaze evenly over the top.
3. Let Set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize this recipe to your liking:

• Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect!
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping or directly into the cake batter.
• Chocolate Chips: A handful of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) would be a delicious addition to the batter.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves to the cake batter or streusel topping for a warmer, spicier flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
• Storage: Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the coffee cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Banana Cinnamon Coffee Cake as much as I do! It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!

Conclusion:

This Banana Cinnamon Coffee Cake isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a comforting slice of sunshine perfect for any occasion. From the intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes to the moist, tender crumb and the delightful swirl of cinnamon sugar, every element of this cake is designed to bring joy. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, requested time and time again.

But why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, the combination of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and rich coffee cake batter is simply irresistible. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch, a casual afternoon tea, or a simple weeknight dessert.

Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this cake is incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? A simple dusting of powdered sugar is elegant and classic. Or, for a more decadent treat, try topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a touch of sweetness and sophistication.

And the variations are endless! Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor. A handful of chocolate chips stirred into the batter is always a welcome addition. For a more intense banana flavor, use overripe bananas that are almost black. You can even add a streusel topping for extra crunch and sweetness. Consider adding a cream cheese glaze for a tangy twist. Simply whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth, and drizzle it over the cooled cake.

Another fun variation is to bake the batter in muffin tins for individual coffee cake muffins. This is perfect for portion control and makes them easy to grab and go. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

I truly believe that this Banana Cinnamon Coffee Cake will become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s a recipe that’s both comforting and impressive, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself (I won’t judge!). It’s a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with a little love and care, can create something truly extraordinary.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] – I can’t wait to see your creations! Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this Banana Cinnamon Coffee Cake as much as I do.