If you’re looking for a delicious and foolproof Banana Cake Recipe, you’re in the right place! This cake is incredibly moist, flavorful, and easy to make, making it a favorite for both beginner and experienced bakers. Made with ripe bananas, this cake has a naturally sweet and rich taste, complemented by a soft and tender texture. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with creamy frosting, this banana cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
This recipe is perfect for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations. Serve it as a comforting dessert, a delightful tea-time treat, or even as a homemade birthday cake. Its simple ingredients and effortless preparation make it a go-to choice whenever you have overripe bananas waiting to be used.
Banana Cake Recipe
Ingredients for Banana Cake Recipe
For the Cake:
- Ripe Bananas (3-4 medium, about 1 ½ cups mashed) – The riper, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – Provides the cake’s structure. You can also use whole wheat flour for a denser texture.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) – Helps the cake rise and makes it fluffy.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) – Adds extra lift and ensures a light texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Adds sweetness; you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Eggs (2 large) – Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened) OR Vegetable Oil (½ cup) – Keeps the cake moist and rich. Butter enhances flavor, while oil gives a softer texture.
- Milk or Buttermilk (½ cup) – Adds moisture and a slight tanginess, making the cake extra tender.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the cake’s taste.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped Nuts (½ cup, such as walnuts or pecans) – Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Chips (½ cup) – For extra sweetness and a chocolatey touch.
- Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon) – Enhances the banana flavor with a warm spice note.
For the Frosting (Optional):
You can enjoy the banana cake plain or add a delicious frosting for extra indulgence:
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, softened)
- Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Buttercream Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened)
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Milk (2 tablespoons, for consistency)
- Chocolate Ganache:
- Semi-sweet Chocolate (1 cup, chopped)
- Heavy Cream (½ cup)
These ingredients ensure a perfectly moist, flavorful, and delightful banana cake every time!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Cake Recipe
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Mash the Bananas: Peel and mash 3-4 ripe bananas in a bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth. A few small lumps are fine, as they add texture.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- (Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for extra flavor)
- Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to cream ½ cup softened butter (or oil) with 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the mashed bananas, mixing until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup milk or buttermilk.
- Gently fold the mixture with a spatula or a low-speed mixer until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- (Optional: Fold in ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips at this stage.)
5. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes (for a 9×13-inch pan) or 25-30 minutes (for round cake pans).
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
6. Cool the Cake
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before adding frosting.
7. Prepare the Frosting (Optional)
- For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and ¼ cup butter until smooth.
- Add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- For Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat ½ cup softened butter until fluffy.
- Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth.
- For Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat ½ cup heavy cream and pour it over 1 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate.
- Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly before spreading.
8. Frost and Serve
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.
- Garnish with extra chopped nuts, banana slices, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate if desired.
- Slice and serve!
Enjoy Your Moist and Flavorful Banana Cake!
Banana Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls – One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
- Fork or Potato Masher – To mash the bananas until smooth.
- Whisk or Hand Mixer – To blend wet ingredients and create a smooth batter.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Sifter (Optional) – Helps aerate the flour for a lighter cake texture.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon – For mixing and folding ingredients gently.
- Cake Pan(s) – A 9x13-inch pan or two 8-inch round cake pans, depending on your preference.
- Parchment Paper (Optional) – For easy cake removal.
- Oven – Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester – To check for doneness.
- Cooling Rack – To cool the cake completely before frosting.
- Knife or Offset Spatula – For spreading frosting evenly (if using).
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for extra moisture and caramel-like sweetness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for extra sweetness)
For Frosting (Optional):
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat & PreparePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch cake pan or two 8-inch round cake pans, and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: Mix Dry IngredientsIn a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
- Step 3: Prepare Wet IngredientsIn another bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Add melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Whisk until well combined.
- Step 4: Combine & BakeGradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. If using, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Cool & ServeLet the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then spread over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix – Stir the batter gently to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can make it dense and tough.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – For a smooth batter, ensure eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing.
- Substitutions – If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Baking Time May Vary – Check for doneness at 30 minutes using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Storage Tips – Store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to retain moisture.
- Enhance Flavor – Add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of rum extract, or toasted coconut for extra depth of flavor.
Tips for the Best Banana Cake
1. Use Overripe Bananas for Maximum Flavor
- The best bananas for this recipe are deep yellow with brown spots or even fully browned. They provide natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake extra soft and flavorful.
- If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, place them in a paper bag for a day or bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes to soften.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
- Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix until just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
3. Use Buttermilk for Extra Moisture
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by mixing ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This adds tenderness to the cake.
4. Enhance the Flavor with Brown Sugar and Spices
- Substituting half or all of the white sugar with brown sugar gives the cake a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the banana flavor and makes the cake even more delicious.
5. Check for Doneness Properly
- Use a toothpick or skewer to test the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
- Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.
6. Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting
- If frosting is applied to a warm cake, it will melt and become runny. Always wait until the cake is fully cooled before spreading frosting.
7. Store Properly for Freshness
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If frosted, keep the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.
8. Add Extra Texture and Flavor
- Mix in chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), shredded coconut, or chocolate chips for variety.
- Top with caramel drizzle, banana slices, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
9. Make It Vegan or Gluten-Free
- For a vegan version: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
- For a gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to maintain the same texture.
By following these tips, you’ll have a perfectly moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make banana cake every time!
Conclusion
Banana cake is a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness, moisture, and flavor, making it a favorite for all ages. This Banana Cake Recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas, combined with a soft and fluffy texture, makes this cake a comforting and satisfying dessert. Whether you choose to enjoy it plain or topped with a rich frosting, every bite is sure to be a hit.
This recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Whether you’re serving it as a birthday cake, an afternoon snack, or a holiday dessert, banana cake never fails to impress. The optional add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or spices allow you to customize it to your preference, making each batch unique and delicious. Plus, with simple storage options, you can enjoy leftovers for days or freeze slices for later indulgence.
So, if you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, don’t let them go to waste—turn them into this incredible banana cake! It’s a moist, flavorful, and foolproof dessert that’s bound to become a staple in your baking routine. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade banana cake. Happy baking!
Hi, I’m Katelyn Williams, the expert behind Ninjacreamiicecream.com. With a deep passion for creating delectable ice cream recipes, I’m here to share my love for all things ice cream. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to perfecting the art of ice cream making. From classic flavors to innovative creations, my goal is to inspire you to make delicious and creamy treats at home effortlessly. Join me for the best recipes, tips, and techniques to elevate your ice cream game and indulge in delightful frozen desserts!