Banana Cake

This Banana Cake is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a moist and fluffy texture. With each slice, you’ll discover the comforting warmth of cinnamon, the richness of cream cheese frosting, and the satisfaction of indulging in a homemade dessert. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s delve into the delicious details and make this Banana Cake a reality in your kitchen!

Top Reasons to Make Banana Cake

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of bananas and cream cheese frosting creates a flavor profile that is both rich and refreshing.
• Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this cake easy to whip up any time you have overripe bananas.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a potluck, or just a treat for yourself, this cake fits the bill!
• Freezes Well: You can make this cake ahead of time and freeze it for future enjoyment, making it a great option for meal prep.
• True Comfort Food: There’s something nostalgic about banana cake that brings back memories of home and family gatherings.

Your Shopping Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups for the cake base.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon to help the cake rise.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon for added leavening.
• Ground Cinnamon: 3/4 teaspoon for warmth and flavor.
• Kosher Salt: 3/4 teaspoon to enhance sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: 3/4 cup for a rich, moist cake.
• Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup for sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup packed for added moisture and flavor.
• Large Eggs: 3, at room temperature for better emulsification.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for depth of flavor.
• Mashed Ripe Bananas: 1 1/2 cups (about 4 medium bananas) for that signature flavor.
• Buttermilk: 1 1/3 cups for tenderness.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: 8 ounces for the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, at room temperature for the frosting.
• Confectioners Sugar: 3 1/2 cups for a smooth, sweet frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons for flavoring the frosting.
• Salt: A pinch to balance sweetness in the frosting.

Cook’s Kit

• Mixing Bowls: A set of various sizes for mixing dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For a smooth batter and frosting.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients and scraping bowls.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Ideal for baking the cake evenly.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cake properly before frosting.
• Offset Spatula: Great for spreading frosting smoothly.

Step-by-Step: Banana Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until combined.

Step 5: Incorporate the Bananas

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of mashed ripe bananas gently until fully combined.

Step 6: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 1/3 cups of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of full-fat cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of confectioners sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy and well combined.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top using an offset spatula.

Ingredient Flex Options

• Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Non-Dairy Butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free frosting.
• Maple Syrup: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a unique flavor.
• Nutmeg: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg along with cinnamon for extra spice.

Mistakes That Ruin Banana Cake

• Using Unripe Bananas: Always use ripe bananas; their natural sweetness is key.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science; accurate measurements are crucial.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Frosting a warm cake can lead to a melted mess.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

You can refrigerate leftover Banana Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving. For a warm slice, microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but the texture may be denser.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Adding 1 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your Banana Cake.

What’s the best way to store leftover cake?

Store leftover Banana Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep it fresh.

Next Up in Your Queue

• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Classic Vanilla Cupcakes
• Lemon Blueberry Muffins
• Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Before You Go

If you’ve enjoyed making this Banana Cake, don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family! Baking is not just about the end result; it’s also about the joy of cooking and sharing delicious moments with loved ones. Whether you serve it at a gathering or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!