Indulge in the Ultimate Banana Bread Coffee Cake: A Bundt Pan Masterpiece with a Pecan Crunch Topping – Perfect for Brunch and Beyond!

Every home baker knows the familiar sight: a cluster of overripe bananas sitting on the counter, their skins speckled with brown. While some might see them as past their prime, a seasoned baker views them as a golden opportunity. Recently, my freezer was practically overflowing with these sweet, softened treasures, a clear sign it was time for a baking adventure. My go-to has always been my classic Banana Bread recipe, renowned for its consistent perfection. But this time, I craved something with an extra touch of elegance and a delightful textural contrast. The solution? Elevating the humble banana bread into a magnificent coffee cake, baked in a stunning Bundt pan and crowned with an irresistible pecan crunch topping.
Expert Guide: How To Freeze and Use Ripe Bananas for Baking
Before diving into this delectable recipe, let’s talk about those ripe bananas. The secret to phenomenal banana baked goods lies in using bananas that are truly ripe—the browner, the better! Freezing them is an excellent way to preserve their sweetness and ensure you always have them on hand. When they start to turn brown on your counter, simply peel them, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and pop them into the freezer. Thaw them at room temperature or in the microwave when you’re ready to bake. Their texture will be softer, making them effortlessly mashable and perfect for infusing your baked goods with intense banana flavor and moisture.

This particular recipe leans more towards the rich, dense texture of a classic banana bread than a light, airy cake. If your ideal coffee cake is fluffy and delicate, this might offer a delightful surprise. However, if you, like me, appreciate the substantial, comforting heartiness of a perfectly baked banana bread, then prepare to be captivated. This creation strikes a beautiful balance, offering the familiar, moist crumb of banana bread intertwined with the delightful elements of a coffee cake. It’s not about being light; it’s about being incredibly satisfying, each bite packed with flavor and a wonderful chew.
For those moments when only a true banana cake will do, complete with a luxurious frosting, you absolutely must try my Banana Bread Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting! This recipe is a showstopper. The cake itself is incredibly tender and moist, but it’s the brown butter cream cheese frosting that truly elevates it to another level. The nutty, caramelized notes of brown butter transform a simple cream cheese frosting into something utterly divine and incredibly addictive. It’s a dessert that guarantees rave reviews and is definitely worth the little extra effort. A true holy yum moment!

When envisioning nuts in banana bread, walnuts typically come to mind as the classic choice, and for good reason—they pair beautifully. However, for this particular coffee cake iteration, I decided to venture slightly off the beaten path and chose pecans for the crumble topping. This choice proved to be an absolute revelation! The pecans offer a distinct buttery flavor and a slightly different texture that complements the banana bread base exceptionally well. I also folded a generous handful of chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring that delightful crunch and nutty flavor are present in every single slice, not just on top. This subtle switch makes all the difference, adding an unexpected layer of sophistication to a beloved classic.

The pecan crunch topping creates a beautiful, caramelized “crust” on the outside of the cake. This outer layer is a perfect symphony of sweet and spicy, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the interior. The inside of this banana bread coffee cake is a masterpiece of texture: wonderfully moist, incredibly dense, and bursting with rich banana flavor. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of the spiced, crunchy exterior and the tender, comforting crumb within. It’s a sensory experience that will undoubtedly make this recipe a staple in your kitchen. So, the next time you find yourself with those perfectly ripe bananas, don’t hesitate—give this extraordinary coffee cake a try. It’s an irresistible treat that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Baking with bananas is one of my greatest joys, and my site is a treasure trove of banana-centric recipes. Did you know you can easily explore all these delicious creations? Our intuitive search bar allows you to find recipes by simply typing in an ingredient. Whether you’re looking for “banana muffins,” “banana pancakes,” or just “banana,” our system will guide you to a plethora of options. It’s designed to be simple and efficient, helping you discover your next favorite banana delight with ease.
—>Explore An Affair from the Heart’s Irresistible Banana Recipes <—
Beyond the classic banana bread and this fabulous coffee cake, there’s a whole world of breakfast and dessert possibilities waiting to be explored with bananas. From comforting muffins to delightful loaves and even unique pancakes, ripe bananas are a versatile ingredient that elevates any dish. Their natural sweetness and moistening qualities make them perfect for a wide array of baked goods, ensuring delicious results every time.
While we celebrate the versatility of bananas, let’s not forget the pure joy of a well-made coffee cake. They are the quintessential companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea, offering a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and tender crumb. Before we present today’s star recipe, allow me to share a few other fantastic coffee cake inspirations that you and your loved ones are sure to adore. Each one offers a unique flavor profile and an equally comforting experience.
In the spirit of sharing and celebrating delicious baking, I’m thrilled to highlight some incredible coffee cake recipes from my talented friends in the food blogging community. Their creativity and passion for baking shine through in every recipe, offering even more options to satisfy your coffee cake cravings. Each of these unique creations brings its own special twist to the classic coffee cake, promising delightful flavors and textures. I encourage you to click through and discover new favorites from these amazing culinary artists:
Ground Cherry Coffee Cake from PlatterTalk, Peanut Butter Coffee Cake from Hostess at Heart and this Blackberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Filling from Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish. Please pay them a visit and explore their delicious recipes—you won’t be disappointed!

Are you ready to transform those ripe bananas into a truly memorable treat? Let’s dive into the recipe for this magnificent Banana Bread Coffee Cake. Get ready to bake something truly special that will become a cherished part of your breakfast or dessert repertoire. Happy baking!

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Print Recipe
Banana Bread Coffee Cake
Banana bread crafted in the style of a coffee cake, baked in a Bundt pan with a delightful pecan crunch topping. Perfect for brunch or any time you desire a little something extra with your morning beverage.
10 mins
1 hr
40 mins
1 hr 50 mins
Keyword: Banana Bread Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened)
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- For the Pecan Topping:
- 2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 heaping cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Spray a Bundt pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all crevices are coated. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a small bowl, prepare the topping mixture by combining the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Mix well and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and lump-free. Add the softened butter and continue to beat until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Incorporate the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold about half of the prepared pecan topping mixture into the batter. Pour the remaining half of the topping mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared Bundt pan, distributing it across the base.
- Carefully spoon the banana bread batter over the topping in the Bundt pan, spreading it out smoothly and evenly.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate or wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Genius Kitchen.
For best results, ensure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature before beginning to mix.
The Bundt pan is key to this cake’s presentation. Don’t skimp on greasing it thoroughly to ensure an easy release.
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 slice
Calories: 276 kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 113mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g
