Passover Perfection: Indulge in a Delicious Banana Coffee Cake

Passover, with its dietary restrictions, can often feel limiting when it comes to baking. But fear not! This Passover Banana Coffee Cake recipe is here to prove that delicious and festive treats are absolutely possible during this special time. This cake is moist, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, using matzah meal and potato starch as substitutes for traditional flour. The combination of ripe bananas, rich coffee flavor, and a delightful streusel topping makes it a perfect dessert for Passover gatherings or a simple, satisfying treat to enjoy with your family.

This recipe caters to those observing Passover dietary laws (Kasher L’Pesach), avoiding leavened products (chametz). We’ll guide you through each step, from gathering the right ingredients to achieving that perfect golden-brown bake. Get ready to experience a Passover dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

## Why This Passover Banana Coffee Cake Recipe Works

* **Moist and Flavorful:** The ripe bananas not only provide sweetness but also contribute to the cake’s incredibly moist texture. The coffee enhances the banana flavor and adds a subtle depth.
* **Passover-Friendly:** Using matzah meal and potato starch ensures that this cake adheres to Passover dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste or texture.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The combination of banana, coffee, and streusel is a classic for a reason! This cake is sure to be a hit with everyone.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other flavorings to suit your preferences.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

**For the Cake:**

* **4 ripe bananas, mashed:** The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister the cake will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
* **1 cup granulated sugar:** Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
* **1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola):** Adds moisture and richness to the cake. Vegetable or canola oil are good choices because they have a neutral flavor.
* **2 large eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavor of the bananas and other ingredients.
* **1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled:** Adds a rich coffee flavor and helps to keep the cake moist. Make sure the coffee is cooled before adding it to the batter.
* **1 1/2 cups matzah meal:** The base of the cake, providing structure and texture. Make sure to use fine matzah meal for the best results.
* **1/2 cup potato starch:** Helps to lighten the cake and create a more tender crumb. Potato starch is a common substitute for flour during Passover.
* **1 teaspoon baking powder:** Provides a little lift to the cake.
* **1/2 teaspoon baking soda:** Helps to leaven the cake and create a lighter texture.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

**For the Streusel Topping:**

* **1/2 cup matzah meal:** Provides the base for the streusel.
* **1/4 cup granulated sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps to create a crispy topping.
* **1/4 cup brown sugar:** Adds a caramel-like flavor to the streusel.
* **1/4 cup cold margarine or butter substitute (for Passover):** Binds the streusel ingredients together and creates a crumbly texture. Make sure it’s cold!
* **1 teaspoon cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice to the streusel.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your delicious Passover Banana Coffee Cake.

**1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour (using matzah meal) a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

**2. Make the Streusel Topping:**

* In a medium bowl, combine the matzah meal, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cold margarine or butter substitute, and cinnamon.
* Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the margarine or butter substitute into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep the margarine or butter substitute cold to achieve the right texture.
* Set the streusel topping aside.

**3. Prepare the Cake Batter:**

* In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
* Add the granulated sugar and oil to the mashed bananas and mix well.
* Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and cooled coffee.
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the matzah meal, potato starch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.

**4. Assemble and Bake the Cake:**

* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
* Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

**5. Cool and Serve:**

* Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
* Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

## Tips for Baking the Perfect Passover Banana Coffee Cake

* **Use Ripe Bananas:** The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your cake will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the matzah meal, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the batter until just combined.
* **Cool the Coffee:** Make sure the coffee is cooled before adding it to the batter. Hot coffee can cook the eggs and alter the texture of the cake.
* **Use Cold Margarine/Butter Substitute for Streusel:** Cold margarine or butter substitute is essential for creating a crumbly streusel topping. If it’s too soft, the streusel will melt and spread out during baking.
* **Grease and Flour the Pan Well:** This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and ensure that it comes out cleanly.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert the toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
* **Let the Cake Cool Completely:** Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it. This will prevent it from crumbling.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This Passover Banana Coffee Cake recipe is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the batter or streusel topping for added texture and flavor.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice, to add warmth and complexity to the flavor.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Dried Fruit:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots) to the batter for added sweetness and chewiness.
* **Glaze:** Drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cake for added sweetness and visual appeal. To make a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until smooth.

## Serving Suggestions

This Passover Banana Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a slice of cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting and satisfying treat.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve a warm slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **With Fruit Salad:** Pair the cake with a fresh fruit salad for a lighter and more refreshing option.
* **As Part of a Brunch Spread:** Include the cake as part of a Passover brunch spread, alongside other savory and sweet dishes.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Passover Baking Tips

Baking during Passover can be a bit challenging due to the restrictions on leavened products. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

* **Use Fine Matzah Meal:** Fine matzah meal will result in a lighter and more tender cake. If your matzah meal is coarse, you can pulse it in a food processor until it’s finer.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the matzah meal, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the batter until just combined.
* **Use Potato Starch or Tapioca Starch:** These starches are commonly used as substitutes for flour during Passover. They help to lighten the cake and create a more tender crumb.
* **Be Careful with Leavening Agents:** Baking powder and baking soda can react differently in Passover recipes than in traditional recipes. Be sure to follow the recipe carefully and don’t overdo it with the leavening agents.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Passover baking can be a great opportunity to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Don’t be afraid to try new things!
* **Plan Ahead:** Passover baking often requires special ingredients, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need before you start baking.

## Passover Banana Coffee Cake Recipe Card

**Yields:** 12 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Cake:**

* 4 ripe bananas, mashed
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
* 1 1/2 cups matzah meal
* 1/2 cup potato starch
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

**For the Streusel Topping:**

* 1/2 cup matzah meal
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup cold margarine or butter substitute (for Passover)
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour (using matzah meal) a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the matzah meal, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cold margarine or butter substitute, and cinnamon. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the margarine or butter substitute into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and oil to the mashed bananas and mix well. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and cooled coffee. In a separate bowl, whisk together the matzah meal, potato starch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Assemble and Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.

## Conclusion

This Passover Banana Coffee Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for celebrating Passover. With its moist texture, rich banana and coffee flavor, and delicious streusel topping, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a slice of Passover perfection!

Happy Passover baking!