Banana Crumb Cake Recipe
If you are a fan of cozy, comforting desserts that perfectly balance moistness with a delightful crunchy topping, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Crumb Cake. Imagine tender, sweet banana-infused cake paired with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping so thick and luscious, it almost steals the show. This Banana Crumb Cake brings a homey feel to any gathering, afternoon coffee break, or weekend brunch, filling your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and ripe bananas. I promise it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to bake again and again, especially once you experience that melt-in-your-mouth crumb topping that’s just bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect Banana Crumb Cake. From the richness of butter to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, every component works together to build flavor, moisture, and that signature crumb texture you’ll adore.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb for both the cake and crumb topping.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s texture and browning.
- Light brown sugar: Offers moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, especially important in the crumb topping.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice notes that enhance the banana flavor perfectly.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle aromatic depth to the topping’s spice profile.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all of the flavors in the cake and topping.
- Cake flour: Ensures the banana cake has a soft, delicate crumb without being too dense.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy while reacting with the acidity in buttermilk and bananas.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang that complements the sweet banana flavor.
- Eggs (one whole and one yolk): Provide structure and richness, vital for that soft cake texture.
- Vanilla extract: Imparts warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of bananas.
- Ripe bananas: The star ingredient — they give the cake its signature moistness and a deep, natural sweetness that shines through.
How to Make Banana Crumb Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Lining an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil is key — it not only prevents sticking but makes lifting the perfectly baked cake out effortless later on. Don’t forget to spray the foil with nonstick spray to be extra safe. This prep step gives your Banana Crumb Cake a smooth release, meaning no crumbs left behind and a neat presentation when serving.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, blend together melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt for that rich, spiced base of the topping. Stir in the cake flour gently until it forms a crumbly mixture. Be careful not to overmix here — the goal is to keep the topping light and crumbly to create that irresistible streusel texture on top of your banana cake.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed, combine cake flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda for the dry base. Add room temperature butter pieces one at a time, mixing until the mixture turns into a fine crumb. This step is crucial because you want small pieces of butter evenly distributed to keep the cake moist and tender. Next, add buttermilk, egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe bananas. Increase speed to medium and beat until the batter is light, fluffy, and well combined. Scrape the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully mixed and luscious.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the banana batter evenly into your prepared pan, then use a spatula to smooth it out if needed. Now break up your crumb topping using fingers or a fork, creating uneven clusters that will bake up beautifully golden and crunchy. Spread the topping evenly over the banana batter and slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crumbs turn a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow your Banana Crumb Cake to cool right in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Then carefully use the foil edges to lift the whole cake out for easier slicing and serving. Just before serving, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds an extra touch of elegance. Your Banana Crumb Cake is now ready to be savored!
How to Serve Banana Crumb Cake
Garnishes
A simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar is classic and beautiful, but you can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer, indulgent experience. Thinly sliced fresh bananas on top or a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans add a nice contrast in texture and highlight the banana flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Banana Crumb Cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for a brunch spread or afternoon snack. For a more substantial dessert, enjoy it alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of Greek yogurt topped with honey, which offers a lovely balance of creamy and tangy to complement the cake’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to dress up your Banana Crumb Cake? Serve it in individual ramekins with crumb topping baked separately for mini versions. Alternatively, cut the cake into squares and skewer them like cake pops, then drizzle with melted chocolate or white chocolate for a playful twist. You can even layer it with whipped cream and fresh banana slices to transform it into an elegant trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Banana Crumb Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain moisture and freshness. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good option, but bring the cake back to room temperature before serving to bring out its best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Banana Crumb Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming it slightly for that freshly baked feel.
Reheating
To enjoy your Banana Crumb Cake warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely with foil for 10–15 minutes. Reheating brings out the aromas and softens the cake just like it was freshly baked, while keeping the topping delightfully crunchy if done carefully.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for Banana Crumb Cake?
Yes! Overripe bananas are actually perfect because they are sweeter and softer, which makes your Banana Crumb Cake extra moist and flavorful.
What is the difference between crumb cake and streuselkuchen?
Crumb cake and streuselkuchen refer to similar cakes topped with crumbly streusel. The terminology comes from different traditions but both emphasize that irresistible, buttery crumb topping.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour?
You can, but cake flour creates a softer, more tender crumb. If using all-purpose flour, try removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing it with cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s texture.
How do I prevent the crumb topping from sinking into the cake?
Breaking up the crumb topping into coarse clusters rather than fine crumbs helps it bake into a crunchy layer on top without sinking.
Can this Banana Crumb Cake be made dairy-free?
Sure! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use your favorite plant-based milk with a splash of lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Crumb Cake has all the hallmarks of a cherished classic – moist cake infused with irresistible banana goodness, topped with a generous layer of buttery, spiced crumb that makes every bite a delight. If you love desserts that feel like a warm hug with every forkful, this recipe is pure joy waiting to happen in your kitchen. Give it a try and see why Banana Crumb Cake might just become your new favorite baking tradition!
