“Hey Kris, Connie invited us over after the meeting on Friday for coffee, can you bake something?” – Mom

My mom always counts on my to come up with something special to bring when we get invited to someone’s home. It also gives me a chance to browse the many recipes I have collected and try something new, sooo I gladly agreed! Although, I sometimes think they just invite me along with my mom because they know there’s a reallllyyy good chance I’ll bake hahaha and I can’t say that they’re wrong because I always do! I quickly ruled out making cookies. This called for a cake!!

You see…I associate cake with having afternoon coffee because it was sort of a tradition that goes wayy back between my mom and grandma. Growing up I was lucky enough to have my grandparents living across the street, and I always remember walking through the door from school and seeing the two of them at the table having coffee with a plate of sweet treats. My mom would then make me do my homework, help my grandma make dinner, then my grandpa would take me to dance and when I got home there was grandma and mom at the kitchen table AGAIN having round #2 of dessert! She and my mom are definitely the reason for my sweet tooth!! Unfortunately, I lost my grandma last year and my grandpa 9 years ago. I sure do miss them sooo much, but we have not stopped our cake and coffee tradition (except for maybe having the occasional cup of tea instead of coffee). So much happened around that kitchen table which is why I treasure those memories, and why I think cooking or baking for someone is such a kind and thoughtful gesture. It really shows someone you care. There’s nothing like gathering around a kitchen table, sharing some sweet treats or a meal and chatting. I can still hear my grandma saying, “I’ll fire up the coffee pot…” =) she had the old fashion percolator one…nothing beats the smell of fresh perked coffee… still makes me smile…

I decided on making a “Cinnamon Crumb Banana Bread”…banana bread and crumb cake coming together in one dessert? DONE!…I knew I had some very ripe bananas sitting on my counter and after looking at the ingredient list noticed the only thing I didn’t have was buttermilk…no biggie…I would make a quick stop on my way home from work. After dinner, I got to baking… Here’s where I found the recipe… http://littlebitsof.com/2014/02/cinnamon-crumb-banana-bread/

Cinnamon Crumb Banana Bread

Ingredients

1 egg

1 cup sugar

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 overripe bananas, mashed
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Crumb Topping:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt

Directions

In a large bowl of a mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the sugar, egg and vanilla until combined. Add the butter and beat until smooth and the butter is fully incorporated. Beat in the buttermilk and bananas.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet until all the flour is incorporated. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray and pour in the batter.

Make the crumb topping by combining the powdered sugar, flour, cinnamon salt and melted butter. Using your hands, crumble the mixture over the batter in the pan. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 45 – 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

This recipe is a keeper! We couldn’t stop slicing away at it… I think I have found my new favorite banana bread recipe!! Any dessert that has huge cinnamon crumbs on top is a winner in my book! Have you ever had Entenmann’s Banana Crunch Cake? Well, that’s exactly what this reminded me of!! I was obsessed with it growing up thanks to my good friend Kristen — she actually confessed to me that when blowing out her birthday candles when she was younger, her secret wish was for that cake!! and now I think of her every time I see that cake! You must try this recipe Kris!! =)  My mom even suggested that the next time we make it perhaps we should drizzle some chocolate over the top!! Quick breads are such a nice treat to have around the house and I will surely be making this one again!

With love and sugar, Kristen xo.