image showing the banana cake recipeimage showing the banana cake recipe

Written By Sania Malik || Reviewed By Adeel Abbas

Banana cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. It’s moist, fluffy, and packed with the sweet and delicious flavor of bananas. Whether you want to impress your guests at a dinner party or just want to indulge in a sweet treat, banana cake by using banana cake recipe is the perfect choice. [1] In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about baking the perfect banana cake.

History of Banana Cake

Banana cake has been a popular dessert in the United States since the early 1900s. It’s believed that the cake was first introduced during the Great Depression as a way to use up overripe bananas that were too ripe to eat on their own. The first recipe for banana cake appeared in a cookbook called “The Modern Baker” by the famous baker and cookbook author, Fannie Farmer. Since then, banana cake has become a staple dessert in American households and has been adapted into many variations and flavors. [2]

image showing the banana cake
image credit foodnetwork

How to Make Banana Cake

To make a banana cake is a simple process so that we follow the banana cake recipe. First, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your cake pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate larger bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Gradually add in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating between the two until everything is combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Ingredients [3]

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and mashed bananas.
  • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  • Stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
  • Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  • Slice and serve!

This banana cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Enjoy!

Tips for Baking the Perfect Banana Cake

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your banana cake, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:

  • Use ripe bananas.
  • The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
  • Don’t overmix the batter.
  • Over mixing can cause the cake to become tough and chewy.
  • Use room temperature ingredients.     
  • Cold ingredients can cause the cake batter to curdle or not bake properly.
  •  Use a toothpick to test for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
  • Let the cake cool before frosting. If you frost a warm cake, the frosting will melt and slide off.

Variations of Banana Cake

While a classic banana cake is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different flavors and variations. [4] Here are some ideas to get you started:

1: Chocolate Banana Cake

Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist on the classic recipe. [5]

image showing the chocolate banana cake

2: Banana Nut Cake

Mix chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for added crunch and texture. [6]

image showing banana nut cake
Image credit southernliving

3: Banana Coconut Cake

Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. [7]

image showing banana coconut cake

4: Banana Cinnamon Cake

Add cinnamon to the batter for a warm and comforting flavor. [8]

image showing the banana cinnamon cake
Image credit bettycrocker

5: Banana Cream Cheese Cake

Frost the cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the cake. [9]

image showing the banana cream cheese cake
image credit tasteofhome

Serving and Storing Banana Cake

Banana cake is best served at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also frost it with your favorite frosting, such as cream cheese, butter cream, or chocolate ganache. If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Conclusion

Banana cake is a delicious and easy dessert that anyone can make. With a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills, you can create a moist and fluffy cake that will be the highlight of any meal or gathering. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for banana cake?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas for banana cake. Thaw them before mashing and using in the recipe.

Can I substitute buttermilk for regular milk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk for regular milk. Simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I freeze banana cake?

Yes, you can freeze banana cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe container.

How can I make my banana cake moister?

To make your banana cake moister, add an extra mashed banana to the batter or substitute some of the butter for vegetable oil.

How can I prevent my banana cake from sinking in the middle?

To prevent your banana cake from sinking in the middle, make sure to use the correct size cake pan and do not over mix the batter.

Delicious Banana Cake Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert? Check out our banana cake recipe! Made with ripe bananas, flavorful cake is sure to be a hit with family.

Type: Dessert

Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: banana cake, Banana cake recipe

Recipe Yield: 8

Preparation Time: 30 mins

Cooking Time: 15 to 20 mins

Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Ingredients:

  • baking soda, egg, flour, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, mashed banana, milk