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This is the best small-batch recipe for banana crumb cake! It’s soft and sweet and is perfect for breakfast or dessert, actually it’s like dessert for breakfast!
As I sat in the kitchen today thinking about getting a new recipe up and brainstorming what it should be, I glanced over and noticed that I had not one, but two bunches of very ripe banans. I decided right then and there that I had to do a banana recipe of some sort.
So, I poured another cup of coffee and pulled up my recipe index on the ol’ blog and searched ‘banana’. Humm, guess I’ve done a lot of banana recipes… So I started the process of elimiation, what haven’t I blogged? That’s probably a shorter list. Duh! Banana crumb cake!
It’s funny though, only half of us in this house like bananas. There is even one self-proclaimed banana-hater amongst us, but strangely enough, everyone will eat this delcious little banana crumb cake! There’s just a hint of banana in this cake, so it’s not overpowering and the crunchy topping and sweet vanilla glaze really bring it all home!
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Things to remember about this banana crumb cake recipe:
- It’s a small batch recipe, so you can make in either an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 pan.
- If you need more, you can double the recipe without altering the outcome, but you’ll need to bake it in a 9 x 13 pan.
- Half of the crumbles go in the middle of the cake, and the other half on the top of the cake.
- You can make the glaze thinner if you prefer by adding more milk.
Typical for me, this recipe makes just enough for an 8 x 8 or a 9 x 9 pan, which is perfect for my people without leaving a ton leftover (whew – saves me from eating it all). And in the past, I’ve doubled the recipe and baked it in a 9 x 13 pan when we’ve had a larger crowd and it worked great! So whether you’re feeding 4 or 14, this banana crumb cake won’t disappoint. Give it a try this weekend!
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Banana Crumb Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup flour
- 1-1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup milk
For the crumbs:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 TBS milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla and mix well.
- Fold in bananas and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
- Add flour mixture to wet ingredients, half at a time and stir to combine.
- Slowly add milk and mix until smooth.
- In a smaller bowl, add the butter, brown sugar, flour, and spices for the crumbs and work together with a fork until evenly crumbled.
- Pour half of the batter in the bottom of the prepared baking pan and then sprinkle half of the crumbles.
- Pour the other half of the batter over the crumbles and cover with remaining crumbles.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Once the cake is cool, mix the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and sea salt together to form the glaze.
- Using a spoon, drizzle glaze over the cake.
- Slice and serve or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
This sounds incredible! Like an extra special banana bread! Wish I had a slice with my coffee right now.
Thank you so much Christina! It is THE best with coffee, I can vouch for that! 🙂
I can see why this would be one of your favorite brunch cakes — but I’m afraid it would only last for one brunch… because there’s snacks in the afternoon, a sliver while I’m making dinner and another nugget or two for dessert – it’ll be a memory in no-time!
Haha, Lisa you’re absolutely right and that’s exactly how it goes down here too. I literally can’t stay away if there are any leftovers. A bite here, a piece there, and then before I know it, I’ve single-handedly eaten every bite!
I’ve made banana bread hundreds of times but can’t say I’ve ever come across banana crumb cake. It sounds divine. And so much lighter than the usual banana cakes I make. Fantastic recipe!
Thank you so much Emma! To be honest, the crumb part is probably my favorite, LOL! It’s sweet, and crunchy…and a little buttery. Oh my gosh. Mmm! 🙂
My kids love all things banana bread so we will have to give this a try!
Mine do too Jennifer! I hope you love it as much as we do!
Totally agree…this is brunch worthy. Any baked dessert with fruit in it is perfect for breakfast…in my opinion LOL!!
Thank you so much Gloria and I completely agree about dessert for breakfast – win! Haha! 🙂
This looks appetizing and a great idea for the coming weekend’s brunch! Luckily we all love bananas here, especially me!
Thank you so much Natalia! 🙂
I’ve never heard of banana crumb cake but it looks delicious! I love the frosted top too. Perfect for brunch for sure!
Oh it’s the perfect treat for brunch, Sophia! Thank you so much. 🙂
Oh my! That sounds so good; I don’t think I’ve ever had banana crumb cake before but it looks seriously delicious 🙂
Thank you so much Hannah! It’s the best, you should absolutely try it!
I adore crumb cakes, they’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. I usually make a chocolate chip banana crumb cake, similar to your version and it turns out very delicious!
Ooh Diana, chocolate chip banana sounds amazing! I may have to whip one of those up in the VERY near future. 😉
I will have to whip this up to go with my morning latte’. Looks absolutely amazing!
Thank you so much Jacque, I hope you like it as much as we do! There are never any leftovers here!
This looks so yummy. It looks so quick and easy to make and you can eat if for breakfast or a dessert. Winner.
Thank you so much, Luci! I agree, it is a total winner!