You know those recipes that just feel like a warm hug? These Banana Crumb Cake Bars are exactly that. They’re soft, buttery, and packed with rich banana flavor, topped with a sweet and slightly crunchy cinnamon crumb layer that makes them completely irresistible. The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make! Whether you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter or just need a quick homemade treat, these bars come together in no time and stay incredibly moist for days.

These bars are perfect for just about any occasion. Need a simple breakfast that feels a little indulgent? Grab a square with your morning coffee, and you’ve got a cozy, satisfying start to your day. Hosting brunch? Your friends and family will rave about these—especially with a little drizzle of honey or a spread of butter. And let’s not forget dessert! Warm up a slice and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, and suddenly, you’ve got a crowd-pleasing treat that tastes like something straight out of a bakery.

Honestly, these Banana Crumb Cake Bars are for everyone—kids love them, banana bread fans will be obsessed, and even the non-bakers in your life will appreciate how simple they are to whip up. They’re soft, sweet, and bursting with warm cinnamon-banana goodness in every bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, bringing something to a potluck, or just craving a little homemade comfort, this recipe has you covered. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expected!

If you give this recipe a try, post a pic and tag @colbytroy on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations!

Perfect Pairings for Banana Crumb Bread: Dessert & Breakfast Ideas

Banana crumb bread is a wonderfully versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re indulging in it as a sweet breakfast or serving it as a cozy dessert, the right pairings can enhance its flavors and make the experience even more delightful. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this banana bread!

As a Breakfast Treat

Start your morning on a sweet and satisfying note with these pairings:

With a Hot Cup of Coffee or Tea – The rich banana flavor pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or an herbal infusion like cinnamon or vanilla.

Topped with Greek Yogurt & Honey – Add a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt for extra protein and drizzle some honey on top for natural sweetness. This makes for a well-balanced and energizing breakfast.

Served with Fresh Fruit – A side of fresh berries, orange slices, or a banana smoothie complements the bread’s sweetness while adding vitamins and fiber to your meal.

As a Dessert

Take your banana crumb bread to the next level by turning it into a decadent treat!

Served with Ice Cream – A warm slice topped with a scoop of vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream creates the ultimate comforting dessert.

Drizzled with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce – Melted chocolate, Nutella, or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce adds richness and enhances the banana flavor.

With Whipped Cream & Nuts – A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts give the bread an extra indulgent touch.

Ingredients

Banana Crumb Cake Bars

• ½ cup (115g) butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp (30ml) heavy cream
• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp (8g) baking powder
• ½ tsp (2g) salt

Crumb Topping

• 1 tsp (2g) cinnamon
• ½ cup (115g) butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

Nutritional Benefits & Substitutions

This banana crumb bread isn’t just delicious—it also contains some nutritious ingredients that can be tweaked to fit different dietary needs. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits and possible substitutions for each key ingredient.

Bananas

Nutritional Benefits: Bananas are packed with potassium, vitamin B6, fiber, and natural sugars, making them a great energy booster. Their natural sweetness helps reduce the need for excess sugar.
Substitutions: If you’re out of bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree. This will slightly alter the flavor but still provide moisture and sweetness.

Butter

Nutritional Benefits: Butter adds richness and flavor, providing healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.
Substitutions: For a lighter option, swap butter for coconut oil, olive oil, or unsweetened Greek yogurt. Vegan alternatives include plant-based margarine or mashed avocado.

Granulated Sugar

Nutritional Benefits: Sugar provides quick energy, but too much can lead to blood sugar spikes.
Substitutions: Reduce the sugar by using honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-carb option.

Eggs

Nutritional Benefits: Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamin B12, and healthy fats, helping to provide structure to the bread.
Substitutions: For an egg-free version, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), unsweetened applesauce, or mashed banana.

Vanilla Extract

Nutritional Benefits: While it doesn’t provide significant nutrition, vanilla enhances the flavor without adding extra sugar.
Substitutions: Almond extract or maple syrup can be used for a different but delicious twist.

Heavy Cream

Nutritional Benefits: Heavy cream adds richness and a creamy texture while providing calcium and healthy fats.
Substitutions: Swap with whole milk, half-and-half, coconut milk, or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter alternative.

All-Purpose Flour

Nutritional Benefits: Traditional flour provides carbohydrates for energy, but it lacks fiber and protein.
Substitutions: Use whole wheat flour for added fiber, almond flour for a lower-carb option, or a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free alternative.

Baking Powder

Nutritional Benefits: Baking powder helps the bread rise and gives it a light texture.
Substitutions: If you don’t have baking powder, you can use ¼ tsp baking soda plus ½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar for each teaspoon needed.

Salt

Nutritional Benefits: A small amount of salt enhances flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
Substitutions: Reduce the salt slightly if watching sodium intake, or use sea salt for a slightly different mineral profile.

Cinnamon (in Crumb Topping)

Nutritional Benefits: Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to support heart health and blood sugar balance.
Substitutions: Swap with nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.

Brown Sugar (in Crumb Topping)

Nutritional Benefits: Brown sugar contains molasses, which gives it a slightly higher mineral content than white sugar.
Substitutions: Coconut sugar, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like monk fruit can work as alternatives.

Step By Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down to the recipe card for a full ingredients list and method

How to make Banana Crumb Cake Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Set it aside.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and well blended. You can use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or mix by hand.

Add the mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to the bowl. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.

Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the texture light. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

In a separate small bowl, prepare the crumb topping by combining all the crumb mixture ingredients. Use a fork to blend them together until small crumbs form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can create a paste rather than a crumbly texture.

Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the batter, ensuring a thick, consistent layer.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Allow the banana bread to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or let it cool completely before covering for storage.

Troubleshooting Tips for the Perfect Banana Crumb Cake Bars

Baking can be a little tricky, especially if you’re new to it. If your Banana Crumb Cake Bars didn’t turn out quite right, don’t worry! Here are some common issues and how to fix them next time.

1. My Bars Came Out Too Dry

This usually happens when there’s too much flour or the bars have been overbaked. Make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly—use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can pack in too much flour. Also, check your bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time is up. Every oven is different, so baking times can vary!

2. The Crumb Topping Melted Into the Batter

If your crumb topping didn’t stay crumbly and instead disappeared into the bars, the butter in the topping may have been too soft or overmixed. Try using slightly firmer butter and gently combining the topping with a fork until you get small crumbs rather than a paste. Sprinkling the topping evenly over the batter before baking also helps it stay on top.

3. My Bars Are Too Dense or Gummy

If your bars feel heavy or overly moist, you may have overmixed the batter. When adding the dry ingredients, stir just until everything is combined—overmixing can develop too much gluten, making the bars dense instead of soft and tender. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents won’t give your bars the lift they need.

4. They’re Not Sweet Enough

If your bars don’t taste as sweet as expected, your bananas might not have been ripe enough. Overripe bananas (the really spotty or brown ones) are the key to naturally sweet and flavorful banana baked goods. If your bananas aren’t quite there yet, you can add a little extra sugar or a drizzle of honey to boost the sweetness.

5. The Bars Didn’t Rise Properly

If your bars came out flat, your baking powder may be expired, or you may have accidentally used too much liquid. Always check your baking powder’s expiration date, and be sure to follow the ingredient measurements closely. Using cold eggs and cream straight from the fridge can sometimes affect the texture, so letting them come to room temperature before mixing can help.

Baking is a learning process, and even the best bakers have mishaps! The good news is that this recipe is pretty forgiving, and with a few adjustments, you’ll have soft, moist, and delicious Banana Crumb Cake Bars every time. Keep baking, and enjoy the process!

How to store your Banana Crumb Cake Bars

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the banana bread within 2-3 days, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Refrigeration: To extend freshness for up to a week, store the banana bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing: For long-term storage, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Tools & Supplies for making Banana Crumb Cake Bars

• Parchment Paper
• Hand Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• 9×13 Pan

---

If you like this recipe here are more to try:

• Glazed Pumpkin Donuts
• Pumpkin Banana Muffins
• Apple Fritter Loaf
• Lemon Crinkle Cookies

& More!