Banana cake is a simple, yet delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its soft, moist texture and the sweet, rich flavor of ripe bananas, it’s a dessert everyone will love. This easy recipe allows you to create a light and flavorful cake that’s perfect on its own or topped with your favorite frosting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this banana cake will quickly become a go-to favorite!
Why We Love This Banana Cake
Banana cake is the ultimate dessert for banana lovers and anyone who enjoys a sweet, moist treat. Here’s why we can’t get enough of it:
Perfect for Overripe Bananas: If you have some ripe bananas sitting around, this is the perfect way to use them up. The overripe bananas add extra moisture and flavor to the cake, making it a great way to reduce waste while enjoying a delicious treat.
Moist and Tender: The ripe bananas in the batter give this cake a naturally moist and soft texture, making each bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience. There’s no need for extra butter or oils—those bananas do all the work!
Perfectly Sweet: The sweetness of the bananas creates a rich flavor that’s not overpowering, striking the perfect balance. It’s sweet enough to satisfy your cravings but light enough to enjoy at any time of the day.
Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious homemade cake in no time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is a breeze.
Versatile: This banana cake is perfect on its own, but you can easily customize it! Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist, or top it with cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch. You can even serve it as a breakfast treat or an after-dinner dessert.
Ingredients
To make this delicious banana cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together perfectly for a moist and flavorful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need.
Bananas – Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and softness in your banana cake. The riper, the better.
Cake flour – Makes the banana cake soft and light. Avoid using all-purpose flour, or the texture will be heavier.
Baking soda – Helps the banana cake rise and stay fluffy. Don’t swap it with baking powder.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and rich taste. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the banana cake and keeps it moist.
Vanilla extract – Adds warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
Eggs – Hold the banana cake together and give it structure.
Buttermilk – Keeps the cake tender and soft. You can make a quick substitute with milk and lemon juice.
Cinnamon (optional) – Adds cozy flavor if you like a spiced banana cake.
Instructions
Making this banana cake is simple and straightforward—just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious cake in no time!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the pan by greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas in a bowl using a fork or masher. Leave a few small chunks for texture. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl using a mixer until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla until smooth.
Mix dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
Combine wet and dry. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in parts, alternating with buttermilk. Stir gently—don’t overmix.
Fold in mashed bananas until well mixed.
Pour into the pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the banana cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully before serving or frosting.
Pro Tips
To ensure your banana cake turns out perfect every time, here are some handy tips to take it to the next level:
Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully brown skins. They’re perfect for banana cake because they add extra moisture and natural sweetness.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, be sure to mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Stir gently to keep it light and fluffy.
Room Temperature Ingredients: To make the batter smooth and easy to work with, use room temperature butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up and lead to uneven baking.
Testing for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to test for doneness. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), the cake is done. If it comes out wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Let the Cake Cool: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from breaking apart when you remove it from the pan.
Frosting Tip: If you’re adding frosting, consider cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the banana cake. Just be sure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent it from melting.
Variations
One of the best things about banana cake is how easily you can make it your own! Whether you like a little extra flavor, texture, or a creative twist, here are some delicious variations to try:
Add Chocolate Chips: If you love the combination of banana and chocolate, fold in a cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking. The melty chocolate adds an irresistible richness to each bite.
Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans. These nuts pair beautifully with banana and enhance the texture of the cake.
Spiced Banana Cake: Amp up the flavor by adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. These warm spices elevate the banana flavor, giving the cake a cozy, comforting taste.
Serving Suggestions
Once your banana cake is baked and cooled, the fun of serving it begins! Here are some creative and delicious ideas to elevate your banana cake experience:
Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a simple yet delightful way to complement the banana flavor. It adds a light and airy texture that perfectly balances the moistness of the cake.
Top with Fresh Fruit: Fresh sliced bananas, berries, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut make beautiful and tasty toppings. They add color, freshness, and a bit of extra flavor to each slice.
Pair with Ice Cream: If you’re looking for a more indulgent treat, serve a slice of banana cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold and creamy ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, soft cake.
Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting: For a classic touch, frost your banana cake with a rich cream cheese frosting. This adds a tangy twist to the sweet, moist cake and creates a perfect balance of flavors.
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FAQs
Here are some common questions about banana cake, along with helpful answers to ensure your baking experience is a success!
Can I use frozen bananas for banana cake?
Yes, frozen bananas work great in banana cake! Just make sure to thaw them before using. The moisture from thawed bananas will add extra richness to your cake. You can also mash them easily once they’re thawed.
How can I make my banana cake extra moist?
To ensure a moist banana cake, use overripe bananas, which are packed with natural sweetness and moisture. Additionally, using room temperature butter and eggs, and avoiding overmixing the batter, will help keep the cake soft and tender.
Can I substitute the flour in the banana cake recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Just be sure to check the conversion ratios for your specific flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get a delicious result.
How do I store leftover banana cake?
Store any leftover banana cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To prevent it from drying out, make sure to cover it properly.
banana cake
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas the riper, the better—this adds sweetness and moisture
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or whole milk if you prefer
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional, but adds a nice warmth to the flavor
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly.
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (or line it with parchment paper) to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mash the Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher. You want a smooth, mashed consistency with a few small chunks for texture. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This helps incorporate air into the batter for a fluffy cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour for even leavening.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with a third of the flour mixture, then half of the buttermilk, and continue alternating until everything is mixed in. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until combined.
- Add the Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter. You’ll see the banana flavor and moisture coming through!
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve as is or top with your favorite frosting.