Name: Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 120 g all-purpose flour; 200 g dark brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 90 g butter (room temperature); 240 g all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 150 g granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 240 g overripe bananas (mashed); 90 g butter (browned); 100 g whole milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 40 g mini chocolate chips (chopped dark chocolate); 60 g powdered sugar; 1 – 1 1/2 tsp whole milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 42 reviews

If you are looking for a dessert that combines the cozy warmth of cinnamon, the rich nuttiness of browned butter, and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, then this Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This cake is a delightful twist on a classic coffee cake that bursts with flavor and tender crumb, making it a perfect companion for your morning coffee or an indulgent afternoon treat. The magic lies in the browned butter that adds a deep, toasty richness and the luscious banana that lends moistness and sweetness, all topped with a cinnamon crumble that provides just the right crunch. Let me take you through this delicious journey that will soon become one of your favorite ways to enjoy banana coffee cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round banana cake sits on parchment paper over a white marbled surface, sliced into eight pieces with one slice slightly pulled out to show a moist, speckled inside with bits of banana. The cake has a rough, golden-brown crust and is drizzled with white icing in irregular lines across the top. Near the cake, dried banana chips are scattered. A white plate with banana chips and small chocolate drops is partly visible on the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this cake plays an essential role, from the flour that forms the cake’s structure to the bananas that provide natural sweetness and moisture. The balance of spices, sugars, and butter is critical for that perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

All-purpose flour (240 g): Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the cake’s soft crumb.
Dark brown sugar (200 g): Adds deep molasses notes and moistness, especially important in the crumble topping.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses warm spice and aroma, perfect for a coffee cake vibe.
Butter (90 g, room temperature + 90 g browned): The room temperature butter helps provide fluffiness, while the browned butter brings a rich, nutty depth.
Baking powder and baking soda (1 tsp each): These leavening agents ensure the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without making the cake salty.
Granulated sugar (150 g): Provides sweetness that balances with the banana flavor.
Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add richness.
Overripe bananas (240 g): The star of the recipe, these add moistness and natural sweetness.
Whole milk (100 g + 1–1 1/2 tsp for glaze): Keeps the cake tender and is part of the glaze’s smooth finish.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp + ½ tsp for glaze): Adds a sweet savory note that enhances the banana flavor.
Mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (40 g): Adds little pockets of melting chocolate, making every bite exciting.
Powdered sugar (60 g, for glaze): Creates a delicate sweetness and smooth texture on the glaze.

How to Make Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Crumble

Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Adding the cold butter next, mix everything with your hands, a fork, or an electric mixer until you achieve a crumbly texture with no dry patches of flour. Set this aside while you prepare the rest of the cake. This crumble will deliver a crisp, flavorful topping that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Place 90 grams of butter into a frying pan over medium heat. Stir frequently and watch as it melts, foams, and then starts turning a golden-brown color, releasing a nutty, aromatic fragrance. Once browned, transfer the butter to a bowl and let it cool slightly in the refrigerator. Browning the butter is a game-changer and is the secret to that rich taste in this Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Mash Bananas

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl to ensure that everything is evenly distributed. In another bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth. These bananas add incredible moisture and natural sweetness without needing extra sugar.

Step 4: Combine Sugar, Browned Butter, and Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar with the browned butter until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Then, add the eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated. This step creates a luscious, creamy base for the batter.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour, Banana, Milk, and Vanilla

Add half of the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing gently. Next, pour in the mashed bananas, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients carefully ensures the batter remains tender and moist.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Remaining Flour

Mix the chocolate chips into the remaining half of the flour mixture, then fold this into the batter just until everything is combined. The chocolate chips add irresistible bursts of melty sweetness throughout the cake.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into a prepared 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon crumble on top. Add the remaining batter and smooth it out gently, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon crumble. This layering creates a beautiful textural contrast that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 175ºC (350ºF) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a tester inserted comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before running a knife along the edge to loosen it from the pan. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here guarantees the cake sets perfectly for slicing.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons whole milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cake for a delicate-sweet finishing touch that glistens beautifully and complements the richness of the banana and brown butter.

How to Serve Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Recipe

The image shows a round cake sliced into wedges on white parchment paper. The cake has a golden-brown crumb with small dark specks, indicating mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. A drizzle of white icing runs over the top and down the sides of each slice. The surface the cake sits on has a white marbled texture. To the side, there is a white bowl filled with small dark round objects, possibly chocolate chips, and a dried banana chip near the bowl. The focus is on one slice that is slightly pulled out from the rest, showing the moist interior with an even texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Recipe look even more inviting, consider garnishing with a few fresh banana slices or a light dusting of cinnamon powder. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze adds an impressive crunch and depth of flavor.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a more substantial breakfast, serve with a side of Greek yogurt topped with honey or fresh berries. It balances richness with acidity for a well-rounded morning feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into small squares and serve on a platter with a few dollops of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese. For a decadent twist, warm slices slightly and serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. This cake also makes a charming base for a trifle when layered with fruit and cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For extended freshness, refrigerate the cake for up to five days but allow it to come to room temperature before serving so the texture remains tender.

Freezing

You can freeze slices or the whole cake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then warm slightly before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth and softness, warm slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. If you prefer, reheat in a 325ºF (160ºC) oven for 10 minutes, lightly covered with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in this Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind the dark brown sugar in the crumble and the glaze add important texture and flavor balance. Reducing too much may affect the final taste and moisture.

What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?

No worries! You can chop regular chocolate bars into small pieces or leave out the chocolate entirely for a simpler banana coffee cake. Both options are delicious.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and softness, which helps create the moist, tender crumb that makes this cake so special.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, but browning the butter is essential for the flavor, so try using a plant-based butter that browns well.

Is this cake suitable for freezing after baking?

Absolutely! This cake freezes beautifully and makes for a perfect make-ahead treat. Just be sure to wrap it well and thaw it properly before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Recipe feels like a warm hug in dessert form—comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly moist. Whether you’re sharing it at a brunch, enjoying a quiet moment with tea, or gifting it to friends, it’s bound to brighten your day and become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Give it a try and enjoy every luscious bite!