Name: Banana Crumble Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491674H3M30S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 very ripe bananas; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (1 stick); 1 cup light brown sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 splash vanilla extract

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If you love the cozy comforts of banana bread combined with the irresistible crunch of a crumb topping, you’re in for a treat with this Banana Crumble Cake Recipe. This cake perfectly balances moist, tender banana-filled layers with a luscious cinnamon-nutmeg crumble that’s just sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings. Every bite bursts with warmth and flavor, making it a wonderful choice for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack that feels extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up top view of a clear glass mixing bowl filled with a light beige, bubbly batter that has a thick, slightly lumpy texture. Inside the bowl, a brown spatula is partially submerged in the batter, angled diagonally. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft pink veining, and a white cloth is placed nearby on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Banana Crumble Cake Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the ripe bananas providing natural sweetness and moisture, to the blend of spices in the crumble that add that warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen.

2 cups flour: The base that gives structure and softness to the cake.
3 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a perfect fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
4 very ripe bananas: Naturally sweet and super moist, the star ingredient.
1/2 cup butter (room temperature): Adds richness and tenderness to the batter.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake beautifully without overpowering.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and add protein for structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Infuses warmth and depth in every bite.
1 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist for a tender crumb.
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed (1 stick): Essential for creating those irresistible pea-sized crumbs in the crumble topping.
1 cup light brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note to the topping.
1 cup flour: Works with butter and sugar to form the crumbly blanket on top.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warm spice that perfectly complements the bananas.
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty kick to the crumble.
3 oz cream cheese: Creates a luscious glaze that adds a tangy-sweet finish.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for drizzling.
2 tablespoons milk: Helps the glaze reach a perfect drizzle consistency.
Splash vanilla: Enhances the glaze with a smooth, aromatic note.

How to Make Banana Crumble Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and greasing a 9 x 13 inch pan so your cake won’t stick. In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together to ensure your leaveners are evenly distributed. Next, mash your ripe bananas in a large bowl and beat in the softened butter until the mixture looks a bit separated—don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should be! Add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then beat until combined and smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now stir the flour mixture and milk into your banana mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the milk. This back-and-forth technique helps keep the batter light and moist. Once combined, set your batter aside to prepare the crumble topping, which adds that signature crunch and spice to your Banana Crumble Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

Mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then, using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in cold butter cubes until you get pea-sized crumbs. Those buttery bits will melt in the oven, creating that much-loved crisp texture on top. It’s a simple step but absolutely essential for the cake’s final appeal.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of the cake batter into your greased pan, then sprinkle half of the crumb topping evenly over it. Follow with the remaining batter and finally top with the rest of the crumbs. Bake the cake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This slow baking lets the flavors meld while the crumble crisps up beautifully.

Step 5: Glaze and Cool

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes. Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla to make a silky glaze. Drizzle this over the warm cake while it’s still slightly warm so the glaze sinks into every nook and cranny. This finishing touch gives the cake a moist, tangy-sweet flair that elevates it from tasty to unforgettable.

How to Serve Banana Crumble Cake Recipe

A piece of crumbly cake sits on a pale pink plate with a fork pressed into it from the top. The cake has two visible layers: a light tan, soft, crumbly base with darker golden-brown areas suggesting cinnamon or spice, and a thin drizzle of white icing on top. The background shows a white baking dish with more cake inside, resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans makes a delightful crunchy garnish that works beautifully with the crumble topping. You can also add a light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin banana slices for a fresh, pretty presentation. These subtle details take your Banana Crumble Cake Recipe from homemade comfort food to show-stopping dessert.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. If you’re serving it for brunch or breakfast, a side of rich Greek yogurt sprinkled with honey adds a lovely tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples complements the banana flavor and keeps things fresh on the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve slices of this Banana Crumble Cake Recipe layered with whipped cream and extra crumble as a trifle in individual parfait glasses. For a crowd, transform it into mini cake bars with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Either way, this cake’s tender texture and crumbly top make it endlessly versatile for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Banana Crumble Cake wrapped tightly and stored in a covered container at room temperature. It stays moist and delicious for up to three days, though the crumb topping will soften after the first day, losing its original crunch. For best texture, enjoy sooner rather than later or proceed with freezing.

Freezing

This cake freezes well and makes a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Wrap cooled slices individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight to maintain freshness and texture.

Reheating

When reheating, warm a slice gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a low-temperature oven until just heated through. To revive some of the crumb topping’s crunch, consider a quick 2-3 minute broil, but watch closely to prevent burning. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze or cream cheese frosting after warming for a luscious finish.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in the crumble?

You can substitute with granulated sugar, but the topping will lose some of its rich, caramel flavor that brown sugar provides. For the fullest taste, it’s best to stick with light brown sugar.

What if I don’t have very ripe bananas?

Very ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and moist texture. If yours aren’t quite there yet, you can speed ripen them by placing bananas in a paper bag for a day or two until they develop more brown spots.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain the cake’s texture.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is perfectly baked. If the toothpick has wet batter, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.

Is the cream cheese glaze essential?

While optional, the cream cheese glaze adds a wonderful tangy sweetness that complements the banana and crumble perfectly. It also keeps the cake moist and adds a beautiful glossy finish, so I highly recommend giving it a try!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and uplifting about baking this Banana Crumble Cake Recipe from scratch. It turns humble bananas into a show-stopping dessert full of warmth, sweetness, and texture that everyone will adore. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging yourself, I promise this cake will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes. So, grab those ripe bananas and get baking—delicious memories await!

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