Why Make This Recipe
Banana Cake is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a moist, fluffy texture. It’s perfect for celebrations or simply as a sweet snack. This cake is easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for something tasty to bake on a quiet afternoon, Banana Cake is sure to please.
How to Make Banana Cake
Ingredients:
1.5 cups mashed bananas
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 teaspoons baking soda
0.25 teaspoon salt
2.125 cups white sugar
0.75 cup butter
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1.5 cups buttermilk
0.5 cup butter, softened
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3.5 cups confectioners' sugar
Directions:
- Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan.
- Make cake: Mix mashed bananas with lemon juice in a small bowl.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Alternately beat in the flour mixture with buttermilk. Finally, stir in the banana mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour.
- Once baked, remove the cake and place it directly into the freezer for 45 minutes to make it very moist.
- Meanwhile, make the frosting: Cream the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the vanilla. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and beat first on low speed then on high until the frosting is smooth.
- Spread the frosting on the cooled cake.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Banana Cake
Banana Cake is best served at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain or add a scoop of ice cream on the side for an extra treat. It is great for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or simply as a dessert to enjoy with your coffee.
How to Store Banana Cake
To store Banana Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For even longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Banana Cake
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to help them combine better.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Variation
You can make a chocolate chip banana cake by adding 1 to 2 cups of chocolate chips to the batter before baking. This adds a rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
2. Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by using regular milk and adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
3. How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it comes out with batter on it, continue baking and check again every 5 minutes.