Banana Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that’s wonderfully moist, sweet, and bursting with natural flavor, this Banana Cake is going to become your new obsession. This classic treat combines the rich sweetness of ripe bananas with a luscious cream cheese frosting, resulting in a cake that feels both comforting and delightfully indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this Banana Cake offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each one plays a crucial role in making your Banana Cake irresistibly delicious. From the creaminess of butter to the tang of buttermilk and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, every element enhances the cake’s texture, flavor, and color.

• Bananas (1 1/2 cups, mashed, ripe): The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and moisture.
• Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): This keeps the banana mixture fresh and brightens the flavor.
• Flour (3 cups): Gives structure to the cake for that perfect crumb.
• Baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay tender.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Butter (3/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb.
• Sugar (2 1/8 cups): Sweetens and contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
• Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients and help the cake rise.
• Vanilla (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Buttermilk (1 1/2 cups): Adds moisture and a slight tang for balance.
• Butter for frosting (1/2 cup, softened): Ensures a creamy, luscious frosting.
• Cream cheese (8 ounce package, softened): For that signature tangy and smooth frosting.
• Vanilla for frosting (1 teaspoon): Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
• Icing sugar (3 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.

How to Make Banana Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). Take a 9 x 13-inch pan, and make sure to grease and flour it thoroughly. This simple prep step prevents your Banana Cake from sticking and helps it bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Mixture

In a small bowl, mash your ripe bananas and gently stir in the lemon juice. This combo not only keeps the bananas from browning but also adds a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor, making your Banana Cake fresh and vibrant.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. These dry ingredients form the foundation of your cake’s structure, allowing it to rise just right while maintaining a tender crumb.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air for a light texture and balancing the moisture from the bananas.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they blend fully with your butter and sugar mix. Then stir in the vanilla. This combination adds richness and depth that makes the Banana Cake irresistible.

Step 6: Combine Flour Mixture and Buttermilk

Add the flour mixture alternately with buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This back-and-forth incorporation helps create a smooth batter that bakes up moist and tender.

Step 7: Stir in Banana Mixture

Finally, fold in your banana and lemon juice mixture. This step infuses the batter with natural sweetness and moisture, making your Banana Cake perfectly soft and flavorful.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about one hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The low temperature ensures the cake cooks gently for ultimate moisture.

Step 9: Freeze for Moistness

Once baked, immediately place the cake in the freezer for 45 minutes before frosting. This little trick locks in moisture, making every bite of your Banana Cake tender and delightfully soft.

Step 10: Prepare the Frosting

Cream the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the vanilla then gradually add the icing sugar. Beat on low speed to combine and then on high to achieve a creamy, fluffy frosting that perfectly complements the cake.

Step 11: Frost the Cake

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled banana cake. The tangy sweetness of the frosting is the perfect finish to the naturally sweet, moist layers beneath.

Step 12: Optional Topping

For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or decorative hearts on top of the frosting. This adds a lovely crunch and a charming look that makes your Banana Cake even more special.

How to Serve Banana Cake

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can take your Banana Cake from wonderful to unforgettable. A light dusting of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts adds texture and warmth, while fresh banana slices on top can enhance the natural fruit flavor.

Side Dishes

The Banana Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a lighter touch, try serving with fresh berries or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to elevate your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving your Banana Cake as a layered trifle with alternating layers of cake, whipped cream, and sliced bananas. Or cut small squares and serve as bite-sized finger foods at your next gathering—no knife needed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your Banana Cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days, keeping that moist texture and delicious flavor intact.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake before frosting by wrapping it in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen this way, your Banana Cake will last up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For a satisfyingly warm slice, gently reheat banana cake pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. If you prefer it slightly toasted, a light 5-minute warm-up in a 300°F oven works beautifully, especially when topped with frosting.

FAQs

Can I use brown bananas for this Banana Cake?

Absolutely! Overripe, brown-spotted bananas are perfect for this cake because they are sweeter and provide more moisture, enhancing the flavor and texture.

Is it okay to substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This will mimic the acidity and help tenderize the cake.

Can I make this Banana Cake gluten-free?

With a good gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can make this cake gluten-free. Just make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How ripe should the bananas be for the best flavor?

The riper the bananas, the better! Look for bananas that are heavily spotted or even starting to turn brown, as they’re sweeter and easier to mash for maximum flavor.

Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?

Definitely. A stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar super easy, and it’s perfect for beating eggs and mixing the batter to the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about baking a Banana Cake from scratch, then sharing it with those you love. This recipe combines incredibly simple ingredients into a moist, flavorful cake that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Give this Banana Cake a try—you’ll soon discover it’s a timeless favorite worth coming back to again and again.

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