Banana cake is a delightful and moist dessert that captures the essence of ripe bananas in every bite. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or just a treat for yourself. With a rich cream cheese frosting on top, it takes this simple cake to a new level of deliciousness.
Why Make This Recipe
Making banana cake is a great way to use ripe bananas that you might have sitting on your counter. Instead of throwing them away, you can turn them into a sweet and satisfying dessert. This recipe is simple and does not require any fancy ingredients, making it perfect even for beginner bakers. The combination of bananas and a creamy frosting creates a delightful treat that everyone will love.
How to Make Banana Cake
Making banana cake is easy! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious cake in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups mashed bananas
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup salted butter (for frosting)
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix together the cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of salted butter, sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the mixture and mix well.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually and mix until combined.
- Fold in the mashed bananas and lemon juice.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and 1 cup of salted butter until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar and heavy cream, and mix until well combined and creamy.
- Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
How to Serve Banana Cake
You can serve banana cake as a dessert after any meal. It’s great when sliced and served on a plate. You can also add some extra sliced bananas or nuts on top for an extra touch. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Store Banana Cake
To keep your banana cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze banana cake for up to 2-3 months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer.
Tips to Make Banana Cake
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. The browner they are, the sweeter they will be!
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined for a fluffier cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variation
You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for a nice crunch. Additionally, you can try adding chocolate chips for a chocolate banana cake twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cake layers a day in advance; just store them properly and frost them on the day you plan to serve.
3. What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out too dry, you can add a simple syrup made of sugar and water to moisten it. Just brush it over the cake layers before frosting.
