Delicious and Easy Banana Cake Recipe: How to Make It in 5 Simple Steps

I love baking and one of my favorite desserts to make is banana cake. Growing up, my mom used to bake banana cake in a casserole dish and it was such a delicious and satisfying dessert. This classic cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to use up ripe bananas or just in the mood for a delicious treat, this banana cake recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

To make this banana cake, you’ll need mashed bananas, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk (or soured milk). The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, while the vanilla gives it a warm and comforting flavor. The buttermilk also helps to keep the cake tender and moist. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and impressive dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients

As I prepare to make my favorite banana cake recipe, I thought I would share the list of ingredients that I use to make this delicious dessert. Here are the key ingredients that you will need:

Bananas

Of course, the star of the show is bananas! You will need about 4 medium or 3 large ripe bananas, mashed. Ideally, you’ll want about 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas. Make sure to use ripe bananas, as they are sweeter and will give your cake a better flavor.

Sugar

To sweeten the cake, you will need both brown and white sugar. I use 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of white sugar. The brown sugar adds a rich, caramel flavor to the cake.

Butter

Butter is also a key ingredient in this cake, as it adds richness and moisture. You will need unsalted butter, softened, for both the cake and the frosting.

Eggs

Eggs are used to bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake. You will need 2 large eggs.

Flour

The flour is the base of the cake and gives it structure. You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is used as a leavening agent in the cake. You will need 1/2 teaspoon.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is also used as a leavening agent in the cake. You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is used to add flavor to the cake. You will need 2 teaspoons in total.

Walnuts

Walnuts are optional, but they add a nice crunch to the cake. You will need 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.

Kosher Salt

Kosher salt is used to enhance the flavor of the cake. You will need 1/2 teaspoon.

Buttermilk or Soured Milk

Soured milk can be used instead of buttermilk if you don’t have any on hand. To make soured milk, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

That’s it! With these ingredients, you’ll be able to make a delicious banana cake that your family and friends will love.

How To Make Banana Cake

Making the Batter

Step 1: Start by gathering all the ingredients needed for the banana cake recipe. For this recipe, you will need 3-4 ripe bananas, all-purpose flour, large eggs, pure vanilla extract, and whole milk. I prefer using overripe bananas as they are sweeter and easier to mash. I use a potato masher to mash the bananas until they are smooth and free of lumps.

Step 2: Next, whisk together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and set it aside.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Then, add eggs and mix until fluffy.

Step 4: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients along with the milk and mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Finally, add the mashed bananas and mix until blended.

Baking the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In the meantime, prepare two 9-inch cake pans by lining them with parchment paper rounds to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.

Step 5: Bake the cake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

The prep time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes, the cooking time is around 30-35 minutes, and the total time is approximately 1 hour.

Frosting

When it comes to frosting, I always prefer a creamy and smooth frosting that complements the flavor of the cake. I LOVE a banana cake with cream cheese frosting. It’s tangy, and sweet, and pairs perfectly with the banana flavor.

To make the frosting, start by beating softened cream cheese and butter together until it’s smooth. Then, add powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Keep beating the mixture until it’s light and fluffy.

If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can add more powdered sugar to the mixture. Alternatively, if you want to make it less sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a splash of lemon juice. The acidity seems to cut through the sweetness a bit. It’s all about personal preference.

Once the frosting is ready, spread it generously over the cooled cake. Sometimes, I like to decorate the top of the frosted banana cake with some sliced bananas or chopped nuts for an added crunch.

Overall, cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to a delicious banana cake. It’s easy to make, and you can customize the sweetness to your liking. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Tips and Tricks

As someone who has made banana cake many times, I have learned a few tips and tricks that can help you make the perfect banana cake every time. Here are some of my favorite tips:

Moist and Fluffy Cake

To make a moist and fluffy banana cake, it’s important to use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be, and the easier they will be to mash. In other words, don’t throw away your black bananas! They are awesome for making a moist and flavorful banana cake or banana bread. You can also add a bit of applesauce or yogurt to the batter to make it even more moist and fluffy.

Cool Before Frosting

Before you frost your banana cake, make sure it has cooled completely. If you try to frost a warm cake, the frosting will melt and slide off. To speed up the cooling process, you can place the cake in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes.

Texture

If you want a cake with a smoother texture, make sure to mash your bananas well. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some larger pieces of banana in the batter. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter to give it some extra texture.

Stand Mixer

Using a stand mixer can make the process of making banana cake much easier. It can help you mix the batter more thoroughly and evenly, and it can save you time and effort. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer or mix the batter by hand.

Brown Spots

If your bananas have brown spots, don’t throw them away! Brown spots are a sign that the bananas are ripe and sweet, and they will add more flavor to your cake. Just make sure to remove any large brown spots before mashing the bananas.

Frozen Bananas

If you have some overripe bananas that you don’t want to use right away, you can freeze them for later. Just peel the bananas and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to use them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before mashing them.

Using a Plate or Parchment Paper

To make it easier to remove your cake from the pan, you can either use a plate or parchment paper. If you’re using a plate, place the plate upside down on top of the cake pan, then flip the pan over to release the cake onto the plate. If you’re using parchment paper, place a sheet of parchment paper at the bottom of the cake pan before pouring in the batter. This will make it easier to remove the cake from the pan once it’s done baking.

By following these tips and tricks, you can make a delicious and perfectly-textured banana cake every time!

Variations

As much as I love a classic banana cake recipe, I also enjoy experimenting with different variations to add some excitement to my baking. Here are a few variations that I have tried and loved:

Banana Loaf

One of my favorite variations of banana cake is a banana loaf. It’s similar in texture to banana bread but more moist. It’s a classic recipe that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. To make a banana loaf, I simply adjust the recipe by adding more flour and baking powder. I also like to add some cinnamon and nutmeg to give it a warm, cozy flavor. I bake it in a loaf pan and serve it sliced with a dollop of butter. If you prefer banana bread, don’t miss these eggless banana bread recipes.

Layer Cake

For a more elegant presentation, I like to turn my banana cake into a layer cake. I bake two or three layers of cake and sandwich them together with a delicious cream cheese frosting. I also like to add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the frosting for some added crunch. This is a great option for special occasions or when I want to impress my guests.

Nuts and Spices

Adding nuts and spices to my banana cake recipe is another way to mix things up. I like to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for some added texture and flavor. I also like to add some cinnamon and nutmeg to give it a warm, cozy flavor. These additions are great for fall or winter baking but can be enjoyed year-round.

Overall, there are so many ways to customize a banana cake recipe. Whether you prefer classic banana bread or a fancy layer cake, there’s a variation out there for everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect recipe.

Why is my banana cake not moist?

There could be several reasons why your banana cake is not moist. One of the most common reasons is over-baking. If you bake the cake for too long or at too high of a temperature, it can dry out and become less moist. Another reason could be that you didn’t use enough wet ingredients, such as mashed bananas or butter, or you used too much flour. It’s also possible that you didn’t mix the ingredients together properly, resulting in a dry cake. If you want to make sure your banana cake is moist, try adding more mashed bananas or butter to the recipe, and make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure everything is mixed together properly.

Why does banana cake need baking soda?

Banana cake typically contains baking soda because it helps the cake rise and become fluffy. Baking soda is a leavening agent that reacts with the acid in the batter (in this case, the acid comes from the bananas) to produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas helps to create air pockets in the batter, which causes the cake to rise and become light and fluffy. Without baking soda, the cake would be dense and heavy. Additionally, baking soda helps to neutralize the natural acidity in bananas, which can help to balance the flavor of the cake and prevent it from tasting too sour. For this recipe, I used a combination of baking soda AND baking powder which help make the cake extra fluffy.

Ingredients and Directions

I hope you enjoyed this banana cake recipe!

I hope this article has helped you find the perfect banana cake recipe that suits your taste. In my opinion, the best banana cake recipe is one that is decadent, rich, and dense, with a buttery and sweet flavor that makes it the perfect dessert for any occasion.

When it comes to banana cake recipes, there are countless variations available, ranging from classic to modern twists. Some recipes call for the addition of nuts, chocolate chips, or cream cheese frosting, while others stick to the basics of mashed bananas, flour, sugar, and butter.

Regardless of the recipe you choose, the key to making a delicious banana cake is to use ripe bananas that are soft and sweet. This will give your cake a natural sweetness and moist texture that will make it irresistible.

Overall, banana cake is a classic dessert that is loved by many, and for good reason. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit any taste, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or a simple afternoon snack.

So, go ahead and try out some of the recipes we’ve shared in this article, or experiment with your own variations. With a little bit of creativity and the right ingredients, you can make a banana cake that is truly unforgettable.

Please SHARE this delicious and easy banana cake recipe with your friends and family.