Name: Coffee Banana Bread with Coffee Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, fluffed and spooned; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 2 large eggs; 1 large banana, if small use 2 bananas peeled and smashed; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola); 3 tablespoons sour cream (may substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk); 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules; 2 tablespoons hot water; 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon instant coffee; 1-2 tablespoons hot water

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

There is something truly magical about combining the rich, robust flavor of coffee with the sweet, comforting warmth of banana bread, and that’s exactly why the Coffee Banana Bread with Coffee Glaze Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite treats. This recipe balances the deep bitterness of instant coffee with the natural sweetness and moist texture of ripe bananas, resulting in a loaf that’s perfect for sipping with your morning brew or enjoying as a delightful afternoon snack. The coffee glaze on top adds an elegant, shiny touch that intensifies the coffee flavor while making every bite simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with thick light brown batter filling about three-quarters of it, with a rough texture on the surface and streaks around the inner sides of the bowl, topped with a layer of chopped walnuts in various shades of brown spread unevenly in the middle, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect bite. From the creamy texture lent by sour cream to the crunch provided by walnuts, every element combines to make this bread uniquely wonderful.

2 cups all-purpose flour, fluffed and spooned: Ensures your bread has a tender crumb without being too dense.
2 large eggs: Add structure and richness to the batter for a soft, moist loaf.
1 large banana (or 2 small), peeled and smashed: Provides natural sweetness and moisture that keep the bread luscious.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right while helping with the tender texture.
1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola): Keeps the bread moist and adds subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Bring a lovely crunch and a bit of earthiness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet banana.
3 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt or buttermilk): Contributes tender crumb and a slight tang for complexity.
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules: Infuses the bread with deep coffee aroma and flavor.
2 tablespoons hot water: Dissolves the coffee granules perfectly for even flavor distribution.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and keeps it light.
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring: Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
3/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the glaze for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
1 teaspoon instant coffee (for glaze): Adds a punch of coffee flavor to the icing.
1-2 tablespoons hot water (for glaze): Used to achieve the perfect icing consistency.

How to Make Coffee Banana Bread with Coffee Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Loaf Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper and generously grease all sides to ensure your bread doesn’t stick. This simple prep makes sure your loaf comes out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture turns fluffy and a pale yellow. This step not only dissolves the sugar but also introduces air that helps your bread rise beautifully. Next, add the oil, sour cream, vanilla flavoring, and the hot coffee made by dissolving the instant coffee granules in hot water. Mix these until smooth, then fold in the mashed bananas to distribute that signature moist and sweet flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined and no flour streaks remain. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor. (Pro tip: For even better texture and ease, fluff the flour before measuring or use a digital scale if you have one.)

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes. The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist! Meanwhile, prepare the coffee glaze by whisking the powdered sugar, instant coffee, and hot water together until smooth. Adjust water to get a glaze that is thick but pourable.

Step 5: Glaze While Warm

Once the bread is out of the oven, place it on a wire rack with parchment underneath to catch any drips. Pour the coffee glaze over the warm loaf—the heat will slightly melt the glaze, creating a gorgeous shiny finish. Let the bread cool completely before slicing to allow the flavors to settle.

How to Serve Coffee Banana Bread with Coffee Glaze Recipe

The image shows a loaf of brown cake with glaze on top, placed on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. The cake has been sliced into three parts, with the top slice leaning against the main loaf and the bottom slice lying flat. The cake texture is moist and dense with visible small pieces of nuts or fruit inside. The glaze is light brown and covers the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth and shiny finish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the coffee glaze adds a lovely crunch and a touch of elegance. If you’re feeling playful, some chocolate shavings or even a few coffee beans can make a festive presentation.

Side Dishes

This coffee banana bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of black coffee or creamy latte. You could also serve it alongside Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey or fresh berries for a complete, balanced breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread, slice the loaf and arrange the pieces on a wooden platter with fresh fruit, nuts, and small jars of flavored butter or preserves. Alternatively, toast slices lightly and spread with cream cheese or nut butter to create an irresistible variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps your bread moist and fresh without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze whole or sliced banana bread by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then foil, or using freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm and soften the bread, bringing back that freshly baked feeling and making the coffee glaze shine even more.

FAQs

Can I substitute instant coffee with brewed coffee in this recipe?

Absolutely! If using brewed drip coffee, reduce the hot water in the batter by half to maintain the right moisture balance, and adjust the coffee amount in the glaze to taste. The flavor might be a bit milder but still delicious.

What if I don’t have sour cream; can I use something else?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk without sacrificing moisture or tang. These alternatives keep the crumb tender and enhance the bread’s depth of flavor.

Is it okay to add chocolate chips instead of walnuts?

Yes! Replacing half the walnuts with chocolate chips is a fantastic twist. Just don’t add too many chips or the loaf can become dense. It’s a wonderful variation for chocolate lovers.

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are ideal. They’re sweeter and softer, which helps naturally sweeten and moisten the bread perfectly.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins using this recipe?

Definitely! This batter works beautifully for mini loaves or muffins. Adjust baking time to about 20-25 minutes for muffins or 40-45 minutes for mini loaves, checking doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

If you love the cozy flavors of banana bread and the energized aroma of coffee, then you are in for a treat with this Coffee Banana Bread with Coffee Glaze Recipe. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and gorgeously finished with a sweet coffee glaze that takes it to the next level. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to recipe for breakfast, snack time, or even a charming gift from the heart.