The Most Heavenly Banana Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Bake

Soft, moist, and bursting with rich banana flavor, this banana cake recipe stands as a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ripe bananas blend seamlessly into a tender batter, creating a dessert that melts in your mouth with each delectable bite.

the magic of this banana cake lies in its perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Humble ingredients come together to craft a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Comfort and nostalgia dance on your taste buds with every slice of this beloved classic.

Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply craving a delightful sweet, this banana cake promises pure culinary joy.

Prepare to fall in love with the most delicious banana cake you’ve ever tasted.

Banana Cake Must-Have Ingredients

• Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the banana cake.
• Bananas: Ripe, soft bananas that offer natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization during baking.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.

• Buttermilk, Lemon Juice: Adds moisture and helps activate the baking soda for proper rising.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Baking Soda, Salt: Helps the cake rise and balances the sweetness.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Icing Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.

• Walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.

Tools for Easy Banana Cake

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and creating cake batter.
• Electric mixer or hand whisk: Perfect for creaming butter, beating eggs, and mixing frosting.
• 9 x 13-inch baking pan: Specific size for baking the banana cake evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.
• Spatula: Great for scraping batter and spreading frosting smoothly.
• Cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly after baking.

Banana Cake: Start Baking

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 275F (135C).

Grab a 9 x 13-inch pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Banana Magic

Grab ripe bananas and mash them up.

Splash in some lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent browning.

Step 3: Dry Ingredient Dance

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 4: Butter and Sugar Waltz

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of deliciousness.

Step 5: Egg and Vanilla Fusion

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.

Pour in vanilla and blend until smooth.

Step 6: Combine with Care

Gently fold in flour mixture and buttermilk, alternating between the two.

Stir in the banana mixture until just combined.

Step 7: Baking Brilliance

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Slide into the oven and bake for one hour.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Moisture Lockdown

Immediately after baking, transfer cake to the freezer for 45 minutes.

This trick keeps the cake incredibly moist.

Step 9: Creamy Frosting Creation

• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Vanilla
• Powdered sugar

Beat until silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 10: Frosting Finale

Once cake has cooled completely, spread that luscious frosting across the top.

Step 11: Optional Garnish

Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or decorative elements if you’re feeling fancy.

Winning Tips for Banana Cake

• Place unripe bananas in a paper bag with an apple or ripe banana to speed up the ripening process for the perfect cake texture.
• Dust the flour mixture with a light coating of cocoa powder to help prevent the cake from becoming too dense or wet.
• Adding sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter can create an extra moist and tender cake that stays fresh longer.
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month to maintain its incredible moisture and flavor.
• Dip your frosting knife in hot water before spreading to create a perfectly smooth and glossy cake surface.

Ways to Remix Banana Cake

• Gluten-Free Banana Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Banana Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and create dairy-free cream cheese frosting using cashew cream.
• Low-Sugar Banana Treat: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Tropical Banana Variation: Add shredded coconut to the batter and mix in diced pineapple for a Hawaiian-inspired banana cake experience.

How to Present Banana Cake

• Banana Bliss Brunch: Slice this cake and serve alongside a fresh fruit salad and steaming coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Pair the cake with a cup of Earl Grey tea, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra warmth and sophistication.
• Dessert Delight: Serve a generous slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, creating a decadent after-dinner indulgence.
• Party Pleaser: Cut into small squares for a potluck or birthday gathering, letting guests enjoy bite-sized pieces of this moist banana masterpiece.

Save Banana Cake for Later

• Store leftover banana cake in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen banana cake can last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. Ensure the storage area is cool and away from direct sunlight to prevent spoiling.

FAQs

• Why freeze the cake after baking?

Freezing the cake immediately after baking helps lock in moisture, making the banana cake incredibly soft and preventing it from drying out. The quick temperature change creates a uniquely tender texture.

• Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this cake. They’re sweeter and softer, which helps create a more flavorful and moist cake. The riper the banana, the better the taste and texture.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Yes, buttermilk is crucial. It adds tenderness, helps activate the baking soda, and creates a lighter, softer cake texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk.

Banana Cake: What Makes It So Good

• This banana cake recipe offers straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master with confidence, making it perfect for anyone wanting to create a delicious dessert without stress.
• The unique freezing technique ensures an incredibly moist cake that stays soft and delectable, preventing dry or crumbly textures that often plague homemade cakes.
• Packed with classic banana flavor and creamy frosting, this cake appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats.
• Customize with optional toppings like walnuts or decorative hearts, allowing you to personalize the cake for different occasions and add your creative touch.

The Best Banana Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible banana cake from grandma’s secret collection combines ripe bananas with rich buttermilk for ultimate comfort. Moist crumb and cream cheese frosting promise pure dessert bliss you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Cake Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 2 1/8 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups bananas, mashed, ripe
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Frosting Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups icing sugar
• 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. Prepare your kitchen workspace by setting the oven to 275F (135C) and coating a 9 x 13-inch pan with grease and flour.
2. Mash ripe bananas and immediately mix with lemon juice to prevent browning, then set the fragrant mixture aside.
3. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a light, airy dry ingredient blend.
4. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
5. Incorporate eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, then fold in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
6. Gradually alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, ensuring even incorporation and smooth consistency.
7. Gently fold the prepared banana mixture into the batter, distributing the fruit evenly throughout.
8. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly, and bake for approximately one hour until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
9. Immediately transfer the hot cake directly into the freezer for 45 minutes, which helps lock in moisture and create a tender texture.
10. Prepare the frosting by blending cream cheese and butter until silky, then gradually mix in vanilla and powdered sugar.
11. Once the cake has completely cooled, generously spread the creamy frosting across the surface.
12. Optional: Enhance the presentation by sprinkling chopped walnuts or decorative elements over the frosted cake.

Notes

• Chill bananas in the refrigerator before mashing to enhance their sweetness and create a smoother texture for the cake.
• Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier flavor and added moisture in the cake.
• Use overripe, almost black bananas for maximum natural sweetness and deeper banana flavor.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg