Banana Crumb Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Crumb Cake is the perfect combination of tender, flavorful cake and a decadent, crumbly topping. The cake itself is moist and full of banana flavor, while the crumble topping adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness. It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile, perfect for serving at any time—whether for a cozy weekend breakfast, a family gathering, or as a sweet snack. Plus, it’s a great way to use overripe bananas, turning them into something indulgent and comforting. With a simple combination of ingredients, you’ll have a homemade treat that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

For the crumb topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the crumb topping:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the softened butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Prepare the cake:

2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch square or round cake pan.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top evenly.

Assemble and bake:

8. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

11. Slice and serve the Banana Crumb Cake while warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)

Variations

• Add nuts: For a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping or batter.
• Chocolate chip banana crumb cake: Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Spiced banana crumb cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Vegan version: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy butter and yogurt for a dairy-free and egg-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Banana Crumb Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, leave the slices at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for 15-20 seconds.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its moist, fresh texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they provide extra sweetness and flavor.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and added nutrients.

3. Can I make this recipe without the crumb topping?

You can skip the crumb topping if you prefer a simpler banana bread-style cake. However, the crumb topping adds a delicious sweetness and texture to the cake.

4. Can I add other fruits to this cake?

Yes, you can add other fruits such as berries, apples, or even dried fruits to the batter for a different flavor twist.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake keeps well and actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

6. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is lightly golden. If the crumb topping begins to brown too much, cover the cake loosely with foil to prevent burning.

7. Can I make this as muffins instead of a cake?

Yes, you can make muffins using the same batter. Bake them at 350°F for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Can I freeze this Banana Crumb Cake?

Yes, this cake freezes very well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

9. How can I make the crumb topping more flavorful?

You can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the crumb topping to enhance the flavor.

10. Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor, or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.

Conclusion

Banana Crumb Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the classic taste of banana bread with the sweet, crunchy goodness of a crumb topping. It’s easy to make and versatile, perfect for using up ripe bananas or simply enjoying a delicious treat. Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or at a special occasion, this Banana Crumb Cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite of this delicious and comforting cake!

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