The Comfort of Slow Sunday Mornings
There’s something almost sacred about slow Sunday mornings—the kind where you wake up without an alarm, the world outside is still quiet, and you can take your time easing into the day. No rush, no plans, just the comforting ritual of coffee brewing, something sweet baking in the oven, and the peaceful warmth of home.
For my husband and me, Sundays are our chance to reset after a long week. We sleep in, letting the morning unfold naturally rather than being ruled by schedules. There’s always classic rock playing softly in the background, filling the apartment with nostalgia. I bake while he helps clean up, and together, we create a rhythm that feels like a small but important ritual. It’s not just about food—it’s about slowing down, reconnecting, and creating a moment of joy in an otherwise hectic life.
Baking as Self-Care & A Connection to the Past
I bake every week. It’s not just something I love—it’s how I take care of myself. There’s something grounding in the process, from measuring ingredients to watching something rise in the oven. The act of baking slows me down in a way that feels almost meditative. And the best part? I get to share what I make.
At work, I’ve become known as the office baker. I bring in fresh cookies, cakes, and pastries, and my coworkers always look forward to seeing what I’ve made. There’s a sense of satisfaction in watching people enjoy something I created. Hearing “This is amazing!” or “I need this recipe!” is the kind of validation that fuels my passion and makes me excited to keep baking.
My love for baking comes from my grandfather. He was an avid home baker, and visiting my grandparents always meant walking into a house filled with the smell of something freshly baked. His specialty was cheesecake—something I have yet to master, but a goal I keep in the back of my mind for the day I finally get it just right. Baking connects me to those memories, to the warmth of his kitchen, and to the idea that food is more than just sustenance—it’s love, tradition, and something that brings people together.
Why We Skip NYC Brunch & Bake at Home Instead
Living in New York City, brunch is practically a sport. But let’s be honest—it’s also ridiculously expensive. A basic meal for two, with coffee, can easily cost $60+ before tip, and if you add a couple of mimosas? Forget it.
I love a good café breakfast, but when you factor in the cost, the crowds, and the long waits, sometimes it just doesn’t feel worth it. Plus, with my husband’s health needs, we’re often more comfortable at home than trying to navigate a busy restaurant where seating options aren’t ideal. That’s why we started making our own brunch at home—and honestly? It’s become one of my favorite parts of the week.
For less than $10, I can make an entire Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake that lasts us all weekend. Per slice, it’s under $2—a fraction of what we’d pay at a bakery. But beyond the savings, there’s something special about baking from scratch, filling our apartment with the smell of cinnamon and brown butter, and knowing exactly what’s going into our food. No preservatives, no artificial flavors—just real ingredients, real flavor, and real comfort.
The Mental Health Benefits of Slow Mornings & Food Rituals
We live in a world that moves fast. Too fast. We eat meals in front of screens, grab food on the go, and rush through our days without really experiencing them. But I’ve learned that slowing down matters—especially as a caregiver.
When life feels unpredictable and overwhelming, small rituals bring stability and peace. Baking, sitting down for coffee, taking the time to cook a meal—these aren’t just habits, they’re ways to reclaim a sense of control and presence. The smell of brown butter in a warm kitchen. The first bite of something fresh from the oven. The simple pleasure of drinking coffee without distractions. These moments ground me, center me, and remind me that even in chaos, there can be comfort.
Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake Recipe
This Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake is everything you love about banana bread, but better. Brown butter adds a deep, nutty richness, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom give it warmth and complexity. The bananas keep it moist and naturally sweet, and the crunchy almond streusel on top adds the perfect contrast. A drizzle of vanilla butter glaze ties it all together, making each bite irresistibly cozy.
For the Chunky Streusel (Make First & Chill!)
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (40g) light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup (50g) sliced almonds
- 1 stick (113g) melted butter
For the Brown Butter Banana Coffee Cake
- 1 ¾ cups (230g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 7 tablespoons (100g) brown butter, melted and cooled (add 2 teaspoons of milk powder for extra caramelization)
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg, room temp
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1 cup (255g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
For the Vanilla Butter Glaze
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Make the Streusel First (Let It Chill!): Mix flour, sugars, cinnamon, and almonds. Stir in melted butter until chunky crumbs form. Chill in the fridge while making the batter.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Brown the butter, stirring in milk powder (if using) for extra caramelization. In one bowl, whisk dry ingredients. In another, mix brown butter, sugars, buttermilk, egg, vanilla, instant coffee, and mashed bananas. Fold dry into wet.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour batter into a greased pan, top with chilled streusel. Bake at 325°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Drizzle over slightly cooled cake.
I hope you’ll give this coffee cake a try. It’s perfect for slow mornings, meal-prepping for the week, or bringing to work to impress your coworkers (trust me, they’ll ask for the recipe). If you do try it, come back and let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you make any tweaks? Did you eat it warm with coffee? I’d love to hear your thoughts—and if you enjoyed this post, follow along for more recipes that make home feel like the best place to be. Let’s make slow mornings something worth savoring!