Learn how to make the best banana cake ever. This moist and delicious cake is topped with a creamy frosting and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply craving something sweet, this banana cake will impress everyone at the table. Its rich flavor and tender crumb make it a standout dessert that you’ll want to bake again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist Texture: The combination of ripe bananas and buttermilk creates a wonderfully moist cake that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this banana cake is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with frosting, or as a base for fruit toppings—this cake suits any occasion!
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the sweet flavor of banana in every slice.
- Creamy Frosting: The homemade cream cheese frosting adds a delightful touch that elevates this cake to new heights.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into baking, gather your tools. Having the right kitchen equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls, ensuring no ingredient is left behind.
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan: Ideal size for baking this banana cake evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked dessert.
Ingredients
Learn how to make the best banana cake ever. This moist and delicious cake is topped with a creamy frosting and is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups bananas, mashed, ripe
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice
– 3 cups flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup butter, softened
– 2 1/8 cups sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla
– 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
– 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
– 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)
– 3 1/2 cups icing sugar (for frosting)
How to Make Banana Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Banana Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the mashed bananas with lemon juice. Set this mixture aside while you work on the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed. Set this bowl aside as well.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 3/4 cup butter with 2 1/8 cups sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. Then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients with Buttermilk
Gradually beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk into the wet ingredients. Begin with some flour mixture, then add some buttermilk; repeat until all are combined. Finally, stir in the banana mixture until just combined.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for one hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool Down
Remove the cake from the oven once done. Place it directly into the freezer for about 45 minutes to ensure it remains very moist after cooling.
Step 9: Make Frosting
For the frosting, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract next. Gradually incorporate icing sugar first on low speed until combined; then beat on high speed until smooth.
Step 10: Frost Your Cake
Once cooled completely, spread your creamy frosting over the top of your banana cake evenly.
Step 11: Add Finishing Touches
If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or decorative hearts over your frosted banana cake to add an extra touch of charm before serving!
How to Serve Banana Cake
Banana cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your serving game, there are many delicious options to consider.
With Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Bananas: Add fresh banana slices on top for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries for a burst of color and tartness.
A La Mode
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the moist banana cake.
- Whipped Cream: Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for added richness.
For Breakfast
- Yogurt Parfait: Crumble banana cake into yogurt, layer with fruit, and enjoy as a delicious breakfast parfait.
- Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a cup of coffee for a perfect morning treat.
As Dessert
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Enhance the flavor by drizzling melted chocolate sauce over the cake.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel brings out the sweetness of the banana cake beautifully.
How to Perfect Banana Cake
Creating the ultimate banana cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to maintain a light texture; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for baking.
- Keep It Moist: Freezing the cake after baking helps retain moisture, making every slice tender and delicious.
- Frost When Cool: Allow your banana cake to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and ensures neat slices.
- Experiment With Flavors: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for unique variations on classic banana cake.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Cake
Pairing side dishes with banana cake can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors well.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to the sweetness of banana cake.
- Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Toasted bread sprinkled with cinnamon sugar is a cozy, comforting side that works well at breakfast or brunch.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey: Creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey provides a tangy contrast that pairs nicely with sweet cake.
- Chai Tea: Spiced chai tea offers warmth and depth, enhancing the flavor profile of banana cake.
- Nutty Granola: Serve alongside nutty granola for added crunch and texture; it’s great for breakfast servings.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For those who can’t get enough sweets, pairing with soft chocolate chip cookies creates a delightful dessert platter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making banana cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin your delicious creation. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Using unripe bananas – Unripe bananas lack the sweetness and moisture needed for a great banana cake. Always use ripe, soft bananas for the best results.
- Skipping the lemon juice – Not adding lemon juice can lead to a dull flavor. This ingredient enhances the bananas’ taste and prevents browning.
- Over mixing the batter – Over mixing can make the cake dense and tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not checking oven temperature – Baking at an incorrect temperature can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Neglecting to cool properly – Removing the cake too soon from the pan can cause it to break apart. Allow it to cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover banana cake in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Banana Cake
- Wrap slices of banana cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Banana Cake
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe plate and heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making banana cake:
How do I know when my banana cake is done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your banana cake is ready!
Can I use frozen bananas for banana cake?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
What makes this banana cake moist?
The combination of ripe bananas, buttermilk, and proper baking time helps keep this banana cake moist and delicious.
Can I substitute butter with oil in this recipe?
While you can substitute oil for butter, it may alter the flavor slightly. Butter adds richness that oil might not replicate fully.
What toppings go well with banana cake?
You can enhance your banana cake with nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This banana cake recipe is not just incredibly delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with various toppings or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast or dessert, this moist treat will surely bring joy to your table!
Banana Cake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this moist and delicious Banana Cake. Perfectly sweetened with ripe bananas and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is ideal for birthdays, brunches, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The tender crumb and rich flavor will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with fresh fruit, this banana cake is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll bake time and again.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 2 ⅛ cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)
- 3 ½ cups icing sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Mix mashed bananas with lemon juice in a bowl; set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time followed by vanilla.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, ending with the banana mixture.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
