Banana Blueberry Crumb Cake

This banana blueberry crumb cake is a rich, moist, and fruity dessert with a buttery streusel topping. Ripe bananas and juicy blueberries make for a naturally sweet and flavorful base, while the crumbly topping adds a delicious textural contrast. Whether served with coffee or as a dessert, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake brings together the best of banana bread and blueberry muffins—moist, fruity, and comforting. It’s easy to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The golden crumb topping and burst of fresh fruit in every bite make it both rustic and indulgent.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ripe bananas, mashed
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Butter, melted
• Milk or buttermilk
• Fresh or frozen blueberries

For the crumb topping:

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Cinnamon
• Butter, cold and cubed

Optional toppings:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Whipped cream or yogurt
• Extra fresh berries for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake pan or springform pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and milk until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated.
5. Gently fold in blueberries. Pour batter into prepared pan.
6. For the crumb topping, mix sugars, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
8. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool slightly before serving. Top with powdered sugar or whipped cream, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8–10
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.
• Lemon Zest: Add zest of one lemon to brighten the flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use flax eggs, dairy-free milk, and vegan butter.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Add a layer of cinnamon sugar inside the cake before baking.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but toss them in a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent bleeding.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum flavor and sweetness.

Can I make this cake without the crumb topping?

Yes, but the crumb topping adds texture and sweetness. You can also dust with powdered sugar instead.

Can I use Greek yogurt in the batter?

Yes, substitute part of the milk with plain Greek yogurt for a richer texture.

What’s the best pan to use?

A 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan works best for easy slicing and even baking.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Is this cake too sweet for breakfast?

Not at all—it’s similar in sweetness to banana bread, especially if you skip or reduce the crumb topping.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes, divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes.

Can I use other fruits?

Yes, raspberries or diced strawberries work well in place of blueberries.

Should I thaw frozen berries first?

No, add them straight from the freezer to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Conclusion

This banana blueberry crumb cake is a cozy and delightful bake that merges fruitiness, texture, and comfort into every slice. Whether served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoyed as a morning treat with coffee, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.

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