If you are searching for a cozy, soul-warming treat to welcome the flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Combining ripe bananas and luscious pumpkin puree with a perfectly spiced crumble topping, it creates a delightful harmony of tender sweetness and cinnamon-kissed crunch. This cake feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning or an indulgent companion to your afternoon coffee. It’s easy to make, uses humble ingredients, and the end result is a moist, flavorful cake that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s bringing moisture, tender crumb, or that irresistible spice blend. These simple pantry staples come together beautifully to form a cake that tastes as comforting as it smells.
- 2 eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake without weighing it down.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle fruity richness that keeps the crumb tender.
- 1/2 cup cane sugar: Sweetens naturally while allowing the spices to shine.
- 2 ripened bananas: Bring natural sweetness and softness to the batter, making the cake wonderfully moist.
- 1/2 can pumpkin puree: Infuses classic fall flavor and keeps the bread tender and moist.
- 1/4 cup milk (regular or plant-based): Provides moisture and helps blend the flavors smoothly.
- 1 tbsp water: Balances the batter’s consistency perfectly.
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour: The base that structures the cake without making it dense.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Leavens the cake, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 heaping tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice: Brings that iconic pumpkin spice warmth and aroma.
- 1 stick butter (room temperature) [for filling + topping]: Creates a luscious crumbly texture when combined with sugar and flour.
- 1 cup brown sugar [for filling + topping]: Adds rich, molasses-like sweetness to the crumb topping.
- 2 tbsp cinnamon [for filling + topping]: Amplifies the warm spice notes in the crumble.
- 1 1/4 cup flour [for filling + topping]: Provides structure and crunch to the topping.
- 1 cup powdered sugar [maple glaze]: Sweetens and balances the glaze’s flavor.
- 2 tbsp maple syrup [maple glaze]: Adds authentic maple sweetness and depth to the glaze.
- 1 tbsp milk (regular or plant-based) [maple glaze]: Brings the glaze to a smooth and drizzle-friendly consistency.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get the perfect baking environment going. Mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, then whisk in the eggs, olive oil, and cane sugar. Next, add pumpkin puree, milk, and water, whisking everything until the batter becomes silky and well combined. This blend is the heart of the cake — moist, flavorful, and naturally sweetened from the bananas and pumpkin.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and your choice of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. These dry ingredients add body, lift, and that signature spice aroma that makes this cake feel like a little celebration of autumn in every bite.
Step 3: Make the Filling and Topping
While the dry ingredients wait, let’s move on to the crumble topping and filling. Soften the butter to room temperature for easy mixing. Combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a food processor and pulse until coarse crumbs form. No food processor? No worries! Mixing by hand works perfectly and adds a bit of rustic charm to your coffee cake.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper so your cake bakes evenly and comes out effortlessly. Pour half of the batter into the dish, spreading it gently and evenly. Sprinkle half of the crumble filling over this layer, being generous so every slice gets a taste of that luscious topping. Pour the remaining batter on top carefully to maintain the layers, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the crumble topping over everything. This layered approach ensures every bite combines moist cake and crunchy, cinnamon-spiced crumble.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Bake your cake for 45 to 50 minutes, checking that a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk to craft a shiny, sweet maple glaze. Once your coffee cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze generously on top for an irresistible finish that adds just the right amount of sweetness and a beautiful glossy touch.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe experience, consider sprinkling a few toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top of the glaze. These nuts add a lovely crunch and complement the pumpkin and banana flavors beautifully. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh sage leaves can also bring a fresh note and a stunning visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for an inviting breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. If serving for brunch, consider fresh fruit like apple slices or a simple yogurt parfait with honey and granola to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the cake into small squares and serve on a decorative platter with a small bowl of extra maple glaze for dipping. Another fun idea is layering small cubes of this coffee cake in glass jars alternating with whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for an easy trifle-style dessert. These creative presentations will impress friends and family with minimal extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend its life, refrigerate it where it will last for about five days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this coffee cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To warm up refrigerated or thawed slices, use your oven or toaster oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This method helps maintain a soft crumb and restores that fresh-baked feel. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the cake a little soggy.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Yes! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe. Just be sure it’s plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
You can swap olive oil with melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or even melted butter. Each will slightly alter the flavor but still keep the cake moist and tender.
Is it necessary to use the maple glaze?
The maple glaze adds a lovely sweet finish and a touch of maple flavor, but the cake is delicious on its own. If you prefer a lighter treat, you can skip the glaze or dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar instead.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure your baking soda and spices are gluten-free certified.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully brown peel produce the sweetest, most flavorful banana bread coffee cake. They mash easily and blend beautifully into the batter.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites whenever I crave a cozy, flavorful treat that feels like a celebration of fall. It’s wonderfully easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try — I promise you’ll be welcoming this cake back to your kitchen again and again.
Print
Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Coffee Cake combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and banana with a sweet cinnamon crumble topping and a smooth maple glaze, making it a perfect treat for cozy mornings or dessert.
Ingredients
Batter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 2 ripened bananas
- 1/2 can pumpkin puree (approx. 7–8 oz)
- 1/4 cup milk (regular or plant-based)
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 heaping tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Filling and Topping
- 1 stick butter, room temperature (1/2 cup)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp milk (regular or plant-based)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your batter is prepared.
- Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripened bananas using a fork until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, olive oil, and cane sugar until well combined. Then add the pumpkin puree, milk, and water, whisking everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice) into the wet mixture. Mix gently just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Filling and Topping: In a food processor, combine the softened butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix these by hand using a fork or pastry cutter to create a crumbly texture.
- Assemble Cake: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour half of the batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the crumble filling over this batter layer. Pour the remaining batter on top carefully, spreading it evenly without disturbing the filling layer. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the crumble mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: While the cake is baking, combine the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil with any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if preferred.
- The pumpkin puree can be homemade or canned, just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk works well as a dairy substitute.
- For a nuttier texture, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping mixture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This cake freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
