If you have a soft spot for anything sweet, moist, and downright comforting, then this Classic Homemade Banana Cake Recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. Picture a tender, golden cake bursting with the rich flavor of ripe bananas, perfectly balanced with just the right hint of vanilla and a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. This cake isn’t just any dessert—it’s a hug in cake form, made with simple pantry staples and crafted to please every craving. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this banana cake will warm your heart and brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Homemade Banana Cake Recipe lies in how straightforward yet purposeful each ingredient is. From the flour that shapes the cake’s soft texture to the ripe bananas that infuse it with natural sweetness and moisture, every item plays a vital role in bringing this delightful dessert to life.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect foundation and soft crumb to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the bananas to give the cake its tender texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: Key ingredient offering natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cake delightfully tender.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with structure.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture and lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds acidity and moisture, ensuring a soft, light crumb.
How to Make Classic Homemade Banana Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly; this ensures your cake won’t stick and helps achieve those beautiful edges you’ll love to bite into.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Give them a good whisk or stir to distribute each leavening agent evenly—this step is essential to help your cake rise perfectly and develop the right texture.
Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process traps air that aids in giving your cake that tender crumb. It’s a great stress-free step to really get hands-on with your baking!
Step 4: Adding Eggs One at a Time
Break in the eggs, one after the other, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation ensures your batter stays smooth and emulsified, preventing any curdling and giving your banana cake a velvety texture.
Step 5: Combining Bananas and Vanilla
Mix in the mashed ripe bananas along with the vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens — the bananas bring moistness and natural sweetness, while the vanilla deepens the flavor profile, making every bite unforgettable.
Step 6: Alternating Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gradually stir in the prepared dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry mix, and be careful not to overmix. This gentle folding keeps the cake tender without sacrificing structure.
Step 7: Baking Your Cake
Pour the luscious batter into your greased and floured pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible and really hypes up the anticipation.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Banana Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake is delightful on its own, sprucing it up with simple garnishes elevates the experience. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for elegance, or spread a layer of cream cheese frosting for an indulgent touch that complements the banana flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a more refreshing contrast, a side of fresh berries adds a pop of color and tartness that balances the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, cut the cake into small squares and serve as bite-sized mini desserts—ideal for parties or afternoon tea. You could also layer it with banana slices and frosting to create a layered banana cake trifle that’ll wow your guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed prevents it from drying out, allowing the flavors to stay just as delightful as when freshly baked.
Freezing
This Classic Homemade Banana Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the cake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a sweet fix, thaw at room temperature or warm gently for that freshly baked taste.
Reheating
To revive your cake’s softness, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. This gentle heat refreshes the cake’s moist texture and brings back that just-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly in this Classic Homemade Banana Cake Recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid making the batter too runny.
Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
Yes, but to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it helps maintain the cake’s tender crumb.
What if I don’t have baking soda? Can I skip it?
Baking soda plays a key role reacting with the acidic bananas and buttermilk, so skipping it might result in a denser cake. If you’re out of baking soda, increasing baking powder slightly can help, but the texture and rise won’t be quite the same.
Is this recipe suitable for a round cake pan?
Definitely! You can bake this banana cake in an 8 or 9-inch round pan. Just keep an eye on baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes; test with a toothpick to be sure.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Of course! Folding in a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips enhances the cake with delightful texture and extra flavor. It’s a wonderful way to personalize your Classic Homemade Banana Cake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a Classic Homemade Banana Cake Recipe from scratch—it’s simple, satisfying, and fills your home with the most comforting aroma. Whether you’re sharing it or keeping it all to yourself, this cake promises a luscious bite every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
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Classic Homemade Banana Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Homemade Banana Cake is a moist, tender, and flavorful dessert perfect for using ripe bananas. With a simple blend of pantry staples, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweet banana flavor and creamy texture, making it a beloved treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Incorporate Bananas and Vanilla: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the half cup of buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Check the cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
