Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add the Bananas
Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
The mixture may look slightly curdled, which is normal.
Step 5: Combine the Batter
Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk.
Mix just until combined.
Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft and tender.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The top should be lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
For extra decoration, top with banana slices, chopped walnuts, or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
Step 10: Serve
Slice and serve at room temperature.
Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Tips for the Best Banana Cake
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Bring ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Delicious Variations
Walnut Banana Cake
Fold 1 cup chopped walnuts into the batter.
Chocolate Chip Banana Cake
Add 1 cup chocolate chips before baking.
Cinnamon Banana Cake
Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
Banana Coconut Cake
Mix 1 cup shredded coconut into the batter.
Banana Nutella Cake
Swirl Nutella through the batter before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra moist and fluffy
- Easy to make
- Perfect use for ripe bananas
- Delicious with cream cheese frosting
- Great for parties and celebrations
- Freezer-friendly
