Banana Cake

why make this recipe

Banana cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a light and fluffy texture. It’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make, allowing you to create a homemade treat that will impress family and friends. Plus, it utilizes ripe bananas, which means you can quickly turn those overripe fruits into a tasty dessert instead of throwing them away.

how to make Banana Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups bananas, mashed, ripe
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 1/8 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)
• 3 1/2 cups icing sugar (for frosting)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix the mashed bananas with lemon juice and set it aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.
4. In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup butter and 2 1/8 cups sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla.
6. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, and then stir in the banana mixture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for one hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and place it directly into the freezer for 45 minutes to ensure it stays very moist.
9. For the frosting, cream the remaining butter and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
10. Add the icing sugar and beat on low speed until combined, then on high speed until the frosting is smooth.
11. Spread the frosting on the cooled cake.
12. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or decorative hearts over the top of the frosting.

how to serve Banana Cake

You can serve banana cake at room temperature or chilled. It’s great on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an added touch, consider garnishing each slice with sliced bananas or a dusting of powdered sugar.

how to store Banana Cake

To store banana cake, keep it covered at room temperature if you plan to eat it within a couple of days. If you need to store it longer, place the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices of the cake in an airtight container for up to three months.

tips to make Banana Cake

• Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• For an even richer cake, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.

variation

You can try adding different ingredients for a twist on the classic recipe. For example, adding chocolate chips can give the cake a delightful chocolatey flavor, and using walnuts adds a nice crunch. Alternatively, you can make it a layered cake by adding more frosting between the layers.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Q: Can I substitute the buttermilk?
A: You can make a homemade version of buttermilk by mixing 1 1/2 cups of milk with 1 1/2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Banana Cake

This moist and delicious banana cake is perfect for any occasion. Made with ripe bananas, it's a sweet and tender treat that's easy to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Batter

• 1.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter softened (1 stick)
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs
• 3 Mashed ripe bananas medium, about 1 cup
• 0.25 cup Milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Electric Mixer (optional)
• Baking Pan (9x13 inch or 9-inch round)
• Oven
• Wire Rack

Method

 

Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and flouring it.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract until they are well combined with the wet ingredients.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined without overmixing.

Bake the Cake

1. Pour the prepared batter evenly into the baking pan.
2. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For the best flavor and moisture, use very ripe bananas (those with many brown spots). You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.