Moist Banana Bread Crumb Cake

This Banana Bread Crumb Cake is a fun twist on a classic crumb cake recipe! Moist and tender banana bread layers are filled and topped with a perfectly irresistible buttery streusel crumb. The result is an easy cake recipe that you’ll love to enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert!

My Favorite Banana Crumb Cake

Oh my sweetness – this could very well be my favorite recipe for crumb cake, or any breakfast cake for that matter! Possibly ever. It has everything a perfect crumb cake should have: a moist and tender cake texture, a crumbly, buttery streusel topping, and all those delicious cinnamon-sugary flavors. With one major, life-changing twist: bananas!

I am always looking for recipes using bananas, especially ones in my fruit bowl that are barely past their prime. Overripe bananas are perfect for recipes like banana bread, banana muffins, etc. And crumb cakes are just plain perfect. Which is what inspired this incredible, mouthwatering Banana Bread Crumb Cake with a delicious streusel filling. The combination is pure magic!

What Makes this Recipe so Good?

A Banana Bread Crumb Cake may sound like a confusing breakfast/dessert recipe. But trust me, it makes total sense as soon as it touches your tastebuds! Here’s why I love this recipe, and why you will, too:

• Banana Crumb Cake is a fun twist on two classic recipes. This recipe involves a soft and moist banana bread-cake, made in a pan and layered with a decadent streusel crumb filling/topping. The contrast is a match made in baking heaven!
• It’s super easy to make. This cake requires simple pantry ingredients and only a handful of steps. It comes together in no time!
• It pairs perfectly with coffee or a glass of milk. So you can literally have your cake for breakfast, and eat it, too. Not to mention, it also makes a fabulous dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make things even better, this recipe calls for basic pantry ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake

• Bananas: This is the perfect occasion to use any ripe or just over-ripe bananas you have; the “senior citizens” of the bunch. 
• Butter: For best results, bring the butter to room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: When it comes to a moist and fluffy cake, white granulated sugar is always the most reliable!
• Flour: I use all purpose flour for this recipe. If you’re making a gluten free crumb cake, you can substitute this with your preferred alternative (almond flour, oat flour, etc.)
• Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract will give the best and most natural flavor.
• Milk
• Eggs
• Baking Powder
• Salt

For the Crumb Filling and Topping

• Butter: Cold from the fridge and cubed.
• Light Brown Sugar
• Flour

You’ll also need powdered sugar and a couple teaspoons of milk if you’re planning to make a glaze.

How to Make Banana Crumb Cake

The secret to this fabulous breakfast cake is in the delicious crumb. Not just sprinkled over top, but also layered in between the banana bread. The resulting cake is moist and buttery and just plain amazing!

Make the Banana Bread Batter: Whisk together the flour with baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, mash your bananas until you reach a smooth consistency, then mix in the butter, followed by the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add in the milk and flour mixture until the batter is just combined.

Make the Crumb: Combine all the crumb ingredients and cut them together with a fork (if you have a pastry cutter, all the better!). 

Fill the Pan: Pour one half of the batter into a prepared baking pan, then sprinkle a layer of crumbs over top. Pour the remaining batter over the crumb layer, and then top with one last layer of crumb mixture.

Bake: Bake the crumb cake in a preheated oven until the center is set. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

Glaze: After the cake has cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the top with sweet glaze if desired.

Serve this Banana Crumb Cake either warm or at room temperature, and revel in it’s deliciousness! 

Tips for Success

• Measure the Flour Correctly: When it comes to baking, the number one misstep is too much flour packed into the measuring cup. If you’re using a measuring cup and not a kitchen scale, rather spoon the flour into the cup and then level it off with a knife, to avoid adding too much flour to the batter!
• Don’t Over Mix the Batter: Another cardinal rule is not to over mix the batter! When mixing in the flour, add it in gradually and mix until the batter is just combined, for the best possible texture when the cake is baked.

How to Store

This Banana Bread Crumb Cake can be stored airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Can I Freeze a Crumb Cake?

You can! Wrap the cake tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the crumb cake in the fridge overnight and then allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

More Banana Desserts

• Banana Blondies
• Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Banana Pudding Cheesecake
• Moist Banana Pound Cake
• Peanut Butter Banana Fudge

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