Brown Sugar Banana Cake

why make this recipe

Brown Sugar Banana Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich flavor of brown sugar. It’s moist, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special celebration. The cake is easy to make and brings a comforting homemade feel, making it a fantastic choice for dessert lovers of all ages.

how to make Brown Sugar Banana Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
• 3 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the granulated sugar, 1/2 stick of softened butter, sour cream, and eggs until the mixture is creamy.
3. Add in the mashed bananas and 2 teaspoons of vanilla, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, and mix until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.
8. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 1/2 stick of butter. Stir in the brown sugar and milk. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.
9. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 2 minutes before removing it from the heat. Transfer to a large bowl and let it cool for 15 minutes.
10. Add the confectioners’ sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla to the bowl, beating until the frosting is smooth.
11. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and serve.

how to serve Brown Sugar Banana Cake

Serve slices of Brown Sugar Banana Cake at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra special treat.

how to store Brown Sugar Banana Cake

To store Brown Sugar Banana Cake, keep it covered at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep it for an extended period, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

tips to make Brown Sugar Banana Cake

• Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor; the more brown spots, the better!
• Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a lighter cake.
• Test the cake a few minutes before the baking time is up to avoid overbaking.

variation

You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture. For a chocolate twist, consider folding in some chocolate chips.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
   Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just make sure to thaw and mash them before adding them to the batter.

2. Is there a dairy-free option for this cake?
   Yes! You can use coconut cream or almond milk yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be slightly denser. You can also mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter cake.

Brown Sugar Banana Cake

This delightful brown sugar banana cake is moist, tender, and bursting with sweet banana flavor, complemented by a rich cream cheese frosting.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Wire rack

Method

 

Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with mashed bananas and buttermilk; mix until just combined, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.

Assembly

1. Once cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer, then place the second layer on top.
2. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

Notes

Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Make sure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.