I’m not sure if there is any better flavor combination than Banana Bread and Coffee Cake. This recipe starts with a sweet, moist, tender banana bread (actually the same recipe that I grew up with). And is layered with a cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a buttery, crispy, tender crumb. This recipe is absolutely delicious and makes for the perfect breakfast, snack, sweet treat, or whatever you want!

A loaf of crumbly banana bread with glaze drizzled on top, partially sliced and placed on a wooden board. Two bananas are in the background. The bread has layers visible, with a golden-brown crust.

How To Make Banana Coffee Cake

Prepare the Layers: The first step in making this Banana Coffee Cake recipe is preparing the cinnamon sugar layer that goes in between the banana bread batter, and of course preparing the delicious coffee cake crumb that goes on top of the whole loaf before we throw it in the oven! I’ll go into more detail below :)

Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Mix the sugar, flour, and cinnamon to make our cinnamon swirl layer in the middle of our banana bread. This mixture should be combined evenly before you add it in between the banana bread.
Crumb Topping: Combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then work in the cold butter for a crumbly texture. You can use a fork or pastry cutter to work in the cold butter, but I find it easiest to just use my hands to pinch the cubes of butter to help distribute it :)
Make the Banana Cake Batter: Cream the butter and sugar, add the eggs (one at a time), then incorporate the mashed bananas (make sure your bananas are over ripe), water, and vanilla. Once that’s combined, sift in dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Sifting in the dry ingredients help to keep our batter light and fluffy leaving us with a soft moist banana bread.
Layer the Cake: Pour half of the batter into your greased loaf pan, then make sure to spread it out evenly. Add the cinnamon sugar filling by sprinkling it on top evenly, then top with the remaining batter and again, spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously on top.
Bake and Glaze: Bake until golden brown, let cool, and finish with a generous amount of cinnamon glaze drizzle.

A baking tray filled with crumbly brown sugar topping is on a table. There are two wooden clothespins on the tray's edges. In the background, there are two bananas and a small spoon with brown powder, likely cinnamon.

How to Store Banana Coffee Cake

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It’s important that it’s kept fresh in an air-tight container or baggie so that the moisture stays in our cake!
Refrigerator: Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to a week. Allow the cake to come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving. I love popping mine in the microwave with a small pad of butter for about 15-20 seconds. Seriously so good.
Freezer: Wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!

A loaf of banana bread topped with a crumbly streusel and drizzled with white icing, cooling on a wire rack. Slices of banana and gold utensils are blurred in the background.

How Far in Advance Can I Make This Recipe?

You can prepare this banana coffee cake 1–2 days ahead. Once baked and cooled, store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. Add the glaze just before serving for the best presentation :) Being able to make this recipe ahead of time makes it the perfect thing to make when hosting a brunch!

Banana Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe has multiple layers and textures that make it truly special:
The Banana Cake: This cake is incredibly soft, moist, and packed with natural sweetness from the ripe bananas. A subtle but perfectly pronounced hint of cinnamon adds warmth to every single bite.
Cinnamon Sugar Filling: The filling is arguably my favorite part of this recipe. It’s a sweet and slightly spiced ribbon that cuts through the richness of the banana cake. It not only makes the banana coffee cake look beautiful with every slice, but it’s a reminder in every bite that this is no ordinary banana bread.
Crumb Topping: The crumb topping is buttery, crumbly, and hits you again with the subtly spiced cinnamon kick, it adds a delicious crunch to every bite.
Cinnamon Glaze: The glaze ties this whole recipe together. It’s adds that creamy sweetness that every bite needs on top of a buttery, crispy, crumb.

Close-up of a sliced cinnamon coffee cake with a crumbly topping and white icing drizzle. The cake has a layer of brown cinnamon filling visible in the center, with a golden-brown crust and moist texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this banana coffee crumb cake recipe but the top three things that I personally love about this recipe are;

Every flavorful bite: From bananas to cinnamon, to sweet glaze, every ingredient comes together to work in harmony with each other making this recipe stand out.
Versatile: This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, a random Tuesday?? You don’t even need an excuse or reason to need to make a banana bread, you should just enjoy it anyway because it’s that worth it.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This banana bread can be made ahead of time making it super easy to prepare and it stores super easily!