Classic Banana Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 12
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This Classic Banana Cake is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for using up those overripe bananas languishing on the counter. With its moist texture and delightful banana flavor, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients for Classic Banana Cake

Butter: Provides richness and moisture, crucial for that tender crumb.

Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a soft texture.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Mashed ripe bananas: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and moisture.

All-purpose flour: The base ingredient giving the cake its structure.

Baking soda: Helps the cake rise for a light texture.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, activating the baking soda for extra lift.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your bananas are truly ripe with lots of brown spots for maximum flavor.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • For a nutty twist, add a handful of chopped walnuts to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This banana cake is lovely on its own, but for a special touch, dust it with powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze banana cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
No worries! Roast bananas in their skins at 300°F for about 20 minutes to soften and sweeten them.

Classic Banana Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is important for a tender cake, so take your time.

Next, beat in the eggs, adding them one at a time to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra aroma. Now, it’s time for the bananas. Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until the batter is smooth and well-blended.

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. This technique helps keep the batter smooth and prevents the flour from clumping.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go. Let the cake cool in the pan before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have.
  • Perfectly moist and flavorful, thanks to ripe bananas and buttermilk.
  • Easy to make and adaptable for various dietary needs.
  • Bakes in a 9x13 pan, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in the mashed bananas until well blended.
5. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; add to the banana mixture alternately with the buttermilk.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool in the pan before serving.

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