Name: Healthy Banana Coffee Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 9
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed; ⅓ cup Greek yogurt; 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated white sugar; 2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup granulated white sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; ¼ cup granulated white sugar; ½ cup all purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold

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When you’re craving something sweet but want to keep things on the healthier side, this banana coffee cake is here for you 🫶🏻. It makes use of those ripe bananas sitting on your counter and I’m sure you and your family are sick of banana bread for the 10th time.

I’ve made this a healthier version using Greek yogurt, less sugar (letting ripe bananas do its thing) and omitting some butter (shh, it’s still in the crumble). Every bite of this cake is moist, with a taste of cinnamon that will have you reaching for another slice before you know it!

I’ve been on a baking spree lately, trying to find healthier alternatives that still satisfy my sweet tooth. This banana coffee cake has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s so easy to make, and the fact that it uses ingredients that are actually good for you makes it taste even better than the original (this varies person to person 😉). My family absolutely loves it and honestly can “trick” who are usually suspicious of anything labeled ‘healthy’.

Each time I bake this banana coffee cake, it disappears almost immediately. It’s become one of those recipes that friends always ask for and I’m always happy to share. It’s always fun to create a recipe that feels indulgent but is packed with ingredients you can feel good about!

Why you'll love this Banana Coffee Cake

Healthier ingredients: Made with whole fruits and Greek yogurt, this cake offers more nutritional value than your average coffee cake!
Moist and flavourful: Thanks to the ripe bananas and yogurt, the texture is perfectly moist.
Not too sweet: Natural and added sugars are balanced just right, making it not too sweet.
Easy to make: Simple instructions and common kitchen ingredients make this recipe a breeze.

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT FOR THIS RECIPE

Hand or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Kitchen scale (I like to weigh out most of my ingredients for accuracy, I also think it’s more efficient when measuring things out over measuring cups!)
Parchment paper
8×8 inch baking pan
Whisk
Spatula

Ingredients for this Banana Coffee Cake

Start with the basics: ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture, and Greek yogurt for a creamy texture without the crazy fat. Here’s a breakdown:

For the cake: all purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract, greek yogurt, eggs and ripe bananas

For the cinnamon sugar middle: cinnamon and sugar (duh)

For the crumble: cinnamon, all purpose flour, unsalted butter, sugar

*These are the main ingredients. The full list of ingredients and measurements can be found at the bottom of this post!*

How to make a Banana Coffee Cake

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.

5. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.

6. In another bowl, mix together the flour, sugar and cinnamon. Add cold butter and knead it in the dry mix until it resembles coarse crumbs the size of a pea.

7. Pour half cake batter into the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the batter. Carefully lay the rest of the batter over the cinnamon sugar (Protip: Add a dollop of batter on each corner first then the middle of the pan. This will make it easier to spread. Use an off set spatula). Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the batter.

8. Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the perfect Healthy Banana Coffee Cake

Use overripe bananas: They’re sweeter and mash more easily.

Don’t overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender cake.

Chill the butter for the crumble: It makes it easier to get that crumbly texture.

Layer evenly: Ensure the cinnamon sugar and batter layers are even for consistent flavour and texture.

Check doneness with a toothpick: It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

FAQ!

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Can I use a different type of yogurt? Absolutely, any plain yogurt works, though Greek yogurt gives extra richness.

How can I make this vegan? Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based yogurt.

Can I add nuts? Definitely, walnuts or pecans would make great additions.

Storage instructions

This banana coffee cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, it freezes perfectly. Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the counter when ready to enjoy, maybe with a fresh cup of coffee for that perfect treat. 🙂

And that’s it! This healthy banana coffee cake is so delicious, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Happy baking!

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