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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Streusel-Topped Banana Cake

Makes 12 to 16 pieces

1 hour 10 minutes 20 minutes active, plus cooling

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Often served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, this cake from southern Brazil originated with German immigrants who brought fruit-filled, streusel-topped cakes with them during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They adapted their recipes for local produce and this iteration, called cuca in Portuguese, was born. The bananas usually are layered over the cake batter, just under the streusel. During testing, we found that sandwiching them between layers of batter prevented the streusel from absorbing the fruit’s moisture and becoming soft. Leftovers will keep at room temperature for up to two days.

Makes

12 to 16 pieces

Tip

Don’t skip the step of freezing the streusel. Chilling the mixture ensures it doesn’t melt too quickly in the oven, ensuring a crisp, crunchy topping.

1 hour 10 minutes

20 minutes active, plus cooling

For the streusel:

  • 98

    grams (¾ cup) all-purpose flour

Directions

Reviews
MATTHEW S.
December 27, 2025
Delicious!
The cake part was moist yet light. We ate is while it was still warm as we couldn't wait - highly recommended. I forgot to put half the batter before the banana layer but was still delicious. I think it would work well with other fruits also.
Bianca T.
July 29, 2025
Delectable
This was so easy to make. No mixing equipment was needed and it came together quickly. I used the whole batch of streudel and don't regret it. Delicious!
Jessica D.
June 17, 2025
Bake this now!
This was delicious made as written. I wouldn't change anything. I loved how much pay off you get from such little effort and normally on-hand ingredients. Thank you!
Isabel P.
June 1, 2025
Perfect
excellent recipe, the only change I made was using half the streusel (personal preference). the banana eevates the cake to extraordinary heights.
Carolyn G.
March 10, 2026
Easy and delicious
I love the hands-on/no mixers technique. Will try other fruits but the banana layer was a nice touch.

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