Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful way to enjoy your morning coffee, look no further than this Coffee Cake Banana Bread. It’s a warm, comforting loaf that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas with a touch of cinnamon and the crunch of nuts, creating a truly irresistible treat. Imagine slicing through a perfectly baked loaf, releasing the sweet, warm aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or dessert, this banana bread is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to the buttery mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for that extra crunch.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create a delicious filling.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining banana batter on top, and then sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar mixture over it.
- Using a knife, gently swirl through the batter to create a lovely marble effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For an even richer flavor, let the bananas get very ripe; the browner they are, the sweeter your bread will be!
- If you want to enhance the flavor further, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- This banana bread freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to keep it fresh for a quick future treat.
Cooking Techniques
To ensure your banana bread comes out perfectly moist, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the fluffy goodness you want. Additionally, using a toothpick to check for doneness is key; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs attached for a perfectly baked loaf.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
- What can I substitute for sour cream? Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute and will add a slight tanginess.
- How do I store leftover banana bread? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion
This Coffee Cake Banana Bread is the perfect fusion of flavors that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. With its moist crumb and sweet cinnamon swirl, it invites you to savor every bite. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed in solitude, this delightful loaf is a reminder of the simple joys of home baking. So why wait? Grab those ripe bananas and treat yourself to a slice of happiness today!