Banana Cake Recipe

This Banana Cake Recipe is a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for any occasion. Made with ripe bananas, butter, eggs, and simple pantry staples, it bakes into a soft and tender cake that’s naturally sweet and delicious. You can enjoy it plain or enhance it with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or chocolate ganache.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Australian, British

Servings 8

Calories 400 kcal

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 & Prepare
Preheat 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 Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In 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 & Bake
Gradually 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 & Serve
Let 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.

With these tips, you’ll get a perfectly moist and delicious banana cake every time!

Keyword Banana Cake Recipe