Scrumptious Banana Streusel Cake Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Delectable aromas waft through the kitchen when baking this irresistible banana streusel cake.

Warm spices and buttery crumbs create a symphony of comfort that beckons everyone to the table.

Generations of bakers have perfected this classic banana streusel cake recipe with layers of rich, moist texture.

Soft bananas meld seamlessly with a crunchy streusel topping, promising a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Tender crumbs and caramelized edges make each slice a delightful experience.

The perfect balance of sweetness and subtle nuttiness transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Step into a world of pure baking bliss and savor every unforgettable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything You Need for Banana Streusel Cake Magic

• Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a moist, tender cake crumb with rich golden color.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful chocolate bursts and creates pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake.
• Chopped Walnuts: Introduces a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the cake's overall texture and complexity.

• Large Egg: Acts as a crucial binding agent that helps hold the cake together and provides richness.
• Buttermilk: Brings tangy flavor, helps activate leavening agents, and ensures a soft, tender cake texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes rich flavor, moisture, and helps create a smooth, velvety cake batter.

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Crucial leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the banana and chocolate flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and adds depth to the cake's taste profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the other flavors in the cake.

Tools to Bake the Perfect Banana Streusel Cake

• 8×8-inch baking dish: Essential for baking the cake with perfect dimensions.
• Parchment paper or butter and flour: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for beating sugar, butter, and egg until light and fluffy.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing streusel ingredients and dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for achieving the right texture when beating ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Toothpick: Used to check cake doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
• Wire rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.

How to Make Banana Streusel Cake from Scratch

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a warm 350 degrees. Get an 8×8-inch baking dish ready by greasing it lightly or adding parchment paper.

• Streusel Magic

Mix chocolate chips, brown sugar, chopped nuts, and a dash of cinnamon in a bowl. This will create a crunchy, sweet topping.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together in a separate container.

• Creamy Base

Cream sugar and butter until fluffy, then add an egg. Beat until the mixture looks light and airy.

• Moisture Boost

Fold in ripe mashed bananas, tangy buttermilk, and vanilla extract. The batter will become smooth and fragrant.

• Batter Construction

Gently mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined to keep the cake tender.

• Layer and Sprinkle

Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle some streusel, then add remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.

• Baking Time

Bake for about 45 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

• Cooling and Serving

Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into delightful squares.

Tips to Elevate Your Banana Streusel Cake Game

• Choose super ripe, nearly black-spotted bananas for maximum natural sweetness and deeper banana flavor that transforms your cake's taste.
• Freeze chopped nuts and chocolate chips for 10 minutes before mixing streusel to prevent them from melting and maintain perfect crumbly texture.
• Replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt or sour cream for an extra rich, tender cake that stays incredibly moist for days after baking.
• Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds, experiment with dark chocolate chips instead of regular ones, or add ground cardamom for sophisticated warmth and depth.
• This cake actually tastes better the next day after flavors have mellowed and melded together, making it perfect for advanced preparation before gatherings or breakfast treats.

Fun Ways to Serve Banana Streusel Cake

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm banana streusel cake with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that comforts and energizes.
• Sweet Dessert Twist: Serve a slice alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to transform this cake into an indulgent after-dinner dessert that melts in your mouth.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into smaller squares and present on a beautiful platter during afternoon gatherings, creating a perfect companion for casual conversations and relaxed socializing.
• Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a ribbon, making wonderful homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or friends who appreciate heartwarming baked treats.

Keep That Banana Streusel Cake Fresh Like Day One

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the texture moist and delicious.
• Counter Freshness Technique: Leave cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring it remains soft and enjoyable for immediate consumption.
• Freezing Magic Method: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers for convenient storage up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before enjoying.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Cut cake into portions before storing, making it easier to grab a quick slice when craving something sweet without disturbing the entire dessert.

Decadent Banana Streusel Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Sweet banana streusel cake delivers comfort and nostalgia in one delightful dessert. Crumbly streusel topping and moist banana base create a perfect balance of textures that home bakers will savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ cups (226.8 g) mini chocolate chips
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• ¾ cup sugar
• ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsps buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm oven to 350°F (175°C) and fortify an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or parchment paper for seamless cake removal.
2. Streusel Crafting: Combine chocolate chips, brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl, blending until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate container, ensuring uniform distribution of leavening agents.
4. Wet Mixture Transformation: Cream sugar, butter, and egg using an electric mixer until the texture becomes airy and voluminous, approximately 3 minutes.
5. Moisture Integration: Fold mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, creating a smooth, cohesive batter.
6. Batter Assembly: Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent gluten development and maintain cake’s delicate structure.
7. Layer Construction: Pour initial batter portion into prepared dish, spreading evenly, then sprinkle half the streusel mixture across the surface.
8. Final Layering: Add remaining batter, ensuring complete coverage, and generously distribute the final streusel topping for maximum flavor complexity.
9. Baking Precision: Slide cake into preheated oven and bake 45-50 minutes, monitoring doneness with a toothpick test—acceptable chocolate remnants are welcome.
10. Cooling Ritual: Extract cake from oven and allow complete cooling on a wire rack before slicing into delectable squares.

Notes

• Banana Ripeness Matters: Use overripe, brown-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor, as they provide natural sugars and intense banana taste.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cake texture and maintain a light, tender crumb.
• Streusel Distribution Technique: Layer streusel carefully between cake batter for a delightful crunch and swirled chocolate-nut flavor throughout each slice.
• Precise Baking Temperature: Stick to 350°F exactly to ensure even baking and prevent burning or undercooking of the cake’s delicate layers.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 129 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg