Banana Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the delightful taste of homemade Banana Cake, a moist and fluffy treat that transforms overripe bananas into a decadent dessert. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee, this cake is easy to make and bound to impress. Top it with a smooth cream cheese frosting or enjoy it plain for a satisfying snack any time.
Banana Cake is a classic dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among both children and adults.
About Banana Cake
Banana cake is an incredibly versatile dessert that has captured the hearts of many. Its rich flavor and moist texture come from the bananas, making it a unique choice that stands apart from traditional cakes. This cake not only showcases the natural sweetness of ripe bananas but also offers a delightful opportunity to repurpose overripe fruit that might otherwise go to waste. With a simple list of ingredients, creating this cake is straightforward, yet the results are nothing short of impressive.
This well-loved cake can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up for special occasions. Whether celebrating a birthday or enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, banana cake fits right into any scenario. The option to add a creamy frosting elevates its appeal, making it a customizable choice for dessert enthusiasts. It's an excellent way to please guests and family alike, offering a heartfelt taste of homemade goodness.
Perfect Pairings
Banana cake pairs wonderfully with various beverages, making it a popular choice for gatherings or coffee dates. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm cup of tea complements the cake's sweet banana flavor effortlessly. For those looking to indulge a bit, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, enhancing the cake experience and adding layers of flavor.
Fruit-based accompaniments also work well, such as a side of fresh berries or citrus slices that provide a refreshing contrast. Essentially, the banana cake's flavors lend themselves to creative pairings, allowing you to personalize your dessert experience. Whether you serve it simply or elevate it with toppings, this cake adapts beautifully to any setting.
Tips for the Best Banana Cake
To achieve the perfect banana cake, use fully ripe bananas with plenty of spots on the peel; these have the best flavor and sweetness. The bananas should be soft enough to mash easily, which contributes to the cake's moist texture. Avoid overmixing the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients to maintain a light and fluffy consistency; careful mixing is key!
Finally, ensure proper baking time to avoid a dry cake. Keep an eye on it in the oven, and remember that oven characteristics can vary. When testing doneness, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached — not wet batter. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a perfect banana cake every time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor!
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare Frosting
If using, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cool, frost with cream cheese frosting or serve plain.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Banana Cake!
Storage Tips
Storing banana cake properly can keep it fresh and delicious for days. After cooling completely, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, where it will stay good for about a week. Always remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking if you stack them.
If you plan to keep the cake for an extended period, consider freezing it. Slice the cake into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. This method helps to lock in moisture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy a slice of banana cake even after weeks in the freezer.
Variations to Try
Banana cake is highly adaptable, allowing for a variety of flavors and textures. Consider adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans to introduce a satisfying crunch to each bite. Chocolate chips also make an excellent addition, accentuating the sweetness of the bananas and creating a decadent treat. For a healthier twist, you could replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Another exciting variation is to incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor. A dash of lemon juice added to the batter can brighten the cake's overall taste, giving it a refreshing touch. Feel free to experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect version of banana cake!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze the Banana Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.
→ How do I ripen bananas quickly?
Place bananas in a brown paper bag at room temperature to speed up the ripening process.
Banana Cake
Experience the delightful taste of homemade Banana Cake, a moist and fluffy treat that transforms overripe bananas into a decadent dessert. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee, this cake is easy to make and bound to impress. Top it with a smooth cream cheese frosting or enjoy it plain for a satisfying snack any time.
Created by: Lillian Hayes
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If using, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cool, frost with cream cheese frosting or serve plain.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 15g