Name: Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup packed light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoon salted butter, very soft; 3 tablespoon packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup mashed banana from about 2 medium ripe bananas; ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; ⅓ cup full fat sour cream, at room temperature; 6 tablespoon unsalted butter, browned; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ½ cup powdered confectioner's sugar; 1 tablespoon whole milk; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Introduction to Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake

Why is brown butter banana coffee cake a must-try?

If you’ve ever wondered what the perfect companion to your morning coffee looks like, let me introduce you to brown butter banana coffee cake. This delightful treat is not just any cake—it's an explosion of flavors and textures that can elevate your breakfast or afternoon snack game. Imagine biting into a soft, moist cake that combines the richness of brown butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, all swirled together with a gooey cinnamon-brown sugar mixture.

What’s more, the crunchy streusel topping adds that perfect contrast to the buttery crumb, while the drizzled vanilla glaze offers a sweet finish that ties it all together. For those considering the nutritional aspects, bananas are not only delicious but also provide dietary fiber and essential vitamins, making this cake a bit of a guilt-free indulgence.

Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—you can whip it up in just about an hour. If you're looking to impress friends or just treat yourself, this brown butter banana coffee cake will make you the star of any brunch or cozy night at home. So, bring out those ripe bananas and let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake

Key Ingredients for the Cake

Creating a delicious brown butter banana coffee cake begins with a handful of key ingredients:

All-purpose flour: 1 ¼ cups (180g) for the perfect structure.
Ripe bananas: About 2 medium-sized bananas, mashed to bring natural sweetness and moisture.
Light brown sugar: ⅔ cup (145g) provides that essential caramel-like flavor.
Sour cream: ⅓ cup (80g), adding richness and tang.
Egg: 1 large, to bind everything together.
Browned butter: 6 tablespoons (84g), elevating your cake with its nutty aroma.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) for an added layer of flavor.

Items Needed for the Streusel Topping

The perfect streusel topping adds delightful texture to your cake:

All-purpose flour: ⅓ cup (50g) as the base.
Light brown sugar: ¼ cup (55g), packed tightly for sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon, for a warm spice note.
Salted butter: 3 tablespoons (42g), softened well to create those crumbly bits.

Ingredients for the Vanilla Glaze

Finish off your coffee cake with a simple yet indulgent glaze:

Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60g) gives that sweet finish.
Whole milk: 1 tablespoon (15ml), for the right consistency.
Ground cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon, to tie the flavors together.

This combination of ingredients makes for an irresistible brown butter banana coffee cake that everyone will love! Whether sharing with friends or enjoying it alone over a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to impress.

Step-by-step Preparation of Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake

Creating a brown butter banana coffee cake is a delightful experience that blends rich flavors and a soft, moist texture. Follow these simple steps to create your cake and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you!

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it's warming up, grab an 8x8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to let the parchment hang over the edges to help with easy removal later. This little trick is a game changer for keeping your cake intact!

Brown the butter to enhance flavor

The secret to an incredible brown butter banana coffee cake lies in the browned butter. To do this, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring often. As it melts, it will begin to foam. Keep stirring until it turns a lovely golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. If you’ve never browned butter before, check out this guide to master the technique!

Make the streusel topping

Next, let’s whip up that delicious streusel topping. In a bowl, mix together ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Ensure there are no lumps by breaking them up with your fingers. Add 3 tablespoons of very soft salted butter and rub it into the mixture until it forms soft crumbs. You can set this aside while you move on to the next step.

Prepare the banana batter

In a separate bowl, mix 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In another large mixing bowl, mash about 2 medium ripe bananas and whisk in ⅔ cup of packed light brown sugar until smooth. Integrate 1 large egg, ⅓ cup of full-fat sour cream, the cooled browned butter, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Finally, gently fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined.

Spread the batter and add cinnamon sugar

Spoon about two-thirds of the banana batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Now, sprinkle a mixture of 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder over the batter for that delightful gooey swirl. Add dollops of the remaining batter on top and gently spread them together.

Add the streusel topping and bake

Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the cake. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Prepare the vanilla glaze

For the finishing touch, whisk together ½ cup of powdered confectioner’s sugar, 1 tablespoon of whole milk, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, half a teaspoon at a time. Once your cake is slightly warm, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Enjoy this brown butter banana coffee cake with your favorite cup of coffee and share it with friends or keep it all to yourself—because who could resist such a delicious treat?

Variations on Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake

Chocolate Chip Banana Coffee Cake

For a delightful twist on the classic brown butter banana coffee cake, consider adding semi-sweet chocolate chips. Simply fold in a cup of your favorite chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the pan. The rich, melty chocolate complements the sweetness of the bananas perfectly, creating a decadent dessert that chocolate lovers will adore. Don’t forget to sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra visual treat.

Nutty Banana Coffee Cake

If you’re a fan of textures, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to your cake. Nuts bring a wonderful crunch that balances beautifully with the moist banana and buttery flavors. Just fold in about half a cup of your chosen nuts into the batter before spreading it in the pan. Toasting the nuts lightly beforehand can also intensify their flavor and give your brown butter banana coffee cake an extra layer of richness.

These variations not only enhance the flavor but also allow you to customize the cake to your taste preferences. Whether you're leaning towards chocolatey decadence or nutty crunchiness, these twists ensure your coffee cake is always a hit!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake

Perfecting the Brown Butter

To achieve that rich, nutty flavor in your brown butter banana coffee cake, watch your butter closely as it cooks. Stir it constantly to prevent burning, and remove it from heat once it turns a deep amber color. This will elevate your cake's flavor profile immensely. For more in-depth tips on browning butter, check out this helpful guide here.

Ensuring the Right Texture for the Batter

Texture is key for this coffee cake! Make sure your bananas are very ripe—this means a lot of natural sweetness and moisture. When mixing your ingredients, fold the dry into the wet gently; overmixing can lead to a dense cake. If you want a thicker crumb topping, feel free to double your streusel recipe for an extra crunch on top!

These little tricks can make a big difference, so don’t skip them!

Serving Suggestions for Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake

Ideal Pairings with Beverages

To elevate your brown butter banana coffee cake, consider pairing it with a velvety cup of coffee or a comforting chai latte. The warm spices in the cake harmonize beautifully with these beverages, creating a delightful flavor experience. For a refreshing twist, a tall glass of cold brew or a matcha latte can also complement the rich notes of the cake.

Creative Serving Methods

Serving this coffee cake can be as simple or as elegant as you like! For a casual gathering, slice it into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Alternatively, drizzle with homemade vanilla glaze for a touch of sophistication. Presenting individual pieces on decorative plates can make for an impressive dessert at brunch or a cozy get-together. Consider garnishing with fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra flair.

For more serving and pairing ideas, check out this guide on dessert pairings.

Time Breakdown for Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake

Preparation Time

Getting ready for this brown butter banana coffee cake will take you about 15 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and preparing the pan. Take your time; baking is as much about the joy of cooking as it is about the outcome!

Baking Time

Once you've mixed everything together, pop your cake into the oven for 40 minutes. This baking time allows the rich flavors to develop and gives your cake that golden-brown crust you crave.

Total Time

From prep to the moment you pull your delicious brown butter banana coffee cake out of the oven, you're looking at a cozy 55 minutes. Perfect for a delightful afternoon treat or brunch with friends!

Nutritional Facts for Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake

Calories
Each slice of this delightful brown butter banana coffee cake packs around 230 calories, making it a delicious treat that won’t completely derail your day.

Protein content
You'll find about 3 grams of protein per slice, thanks to the egg and sour cream. While it’s not a protein powerhouse, every bit counts!

Sugar and fat content
With approximately 12 grams of sugar and 10 grams of fat in every slice, this cake strikes a balance between indulgence and moderation. Enjoy it as a satisfying dessert or a delightful accompaniment to your morning coffee.

FAQs about Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you're looking for a substitute in this brown butter banana coffee cake, plain yogurt works beautifully. Greek yogurt adds creaminess, while regular yogurt keeps it light. You can also use unsweetened applesauce for a dairy-free option. It might slightly alter the texture but can still yield delicious results!

Is there a dairy-free version of this cake?

Absolutely! To make a dairy-free brown butter banana coffee cake, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil. For the sour cream, use dairy-free yogurt or almond milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice to mimic the tang. These substitutes won’t compromise the cake's moistness or flavor.

How should I store leftovers?

To keep your brown butter banana coffee cake fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it—just wrap individual slices in plastic and place them in a freezer bag. Enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, or after a quick microwave zap!

Conclusion on Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake

Indulging in a slice of brown butter banana coffee cake is truly a delightful experience. Its rich flavors and moist texture elevate any coffee break. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with friends, this cake is bound to impress. Don't miss out—bake it today and savor every bite!