Soft and Moist Banana Cake Recipe | Easy Homemade

I’ve always loved bananas, and this soft and moist banana cake recipe is a real winner. It brings back memories of my grandmother’s banana desserts. This recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers, making it a family favorite.

The cake has a tender crumb and a moist texture that’s just right. It’s topped with a creamy lemon cream cheese frosting. This adds a sweet and tangy touch, making it a delicious homemade banana cake. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ripe bananas, turning them into a dessert everyone will love.

Key Takeaways

• Soft, moist, and rich banana cake with a lemon cream cheese frosting
• Easy recipe that’s perfect for using up overripe bananas
• Yields a 9×13 inch cake, serving approximately 15 people
• Captures the nostalgic flavors of homemade banana desserts
• Suitable for both novice and experienced bakers

Why This Banana Cake Will Become Your Family Favorite

Enjoy a banana cake that’s better than any banana bread. It’s moist and full of banana flavor, taking you to a tropical paradise. The cake’s dense yet light texture makes it perfect for slicing and sharing.

This banana cake stands out because of its amazing taste. It’s made with overripe bananas for natural sweetness and flavor. The mix of moist ingredients makes the cake almost melt in your mouth, leaving a delicious banana taste.

The icing on the cake is the luscious cream cheese frosting. It adds a tangy, creamy touch that matches the banana flavor perfectly. This cake is great as a dessert or a special breakfast treat, becoming a favorite in your home.

Try this banana cake with your family and watch it become a hit. Its unique taste and texture make it a classic that everyone will love.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Banana Cake

To bake the perfect banana cake from scratch, you need the right ingredients. The right bananas, buttermilk, and more are key. Each part is important for a soft, moist, and tasty cake. Let’s explore the must-haves for a banana cake that’s a real treat.

Choosing the Right Bananas

Ripe, spotty bananas are the main ingredient. You’ll need 1 and 1/2 cups (345g) of mashed bananas. This is about 4 medium or 3 large bananas. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.

Buttermilk and Its Substitutes

Buttermilk makes the cake moist and tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute. Mix 1 and 1/2 cups (355ml) of regular milk with 1 and 1/2 tablespoons (22ml) of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and you’re good to go.

Quality Butter and Sugar Selection

For a soft and moist banana cake, use top-notch ingredients. Use unsalted butter and a mix of white and brown sugar. The recipe calls for 3/4 cup (170g) of butter, 1 cup (200g) of white sugar, and 1/2 cup (100g) of brown sugar. This mix gives the cake great flavor and texture.

With these ingredients, you’re set to make a banana cake that everyone will love. Next, we’ll show you how to make this delicious treat step by step.

How to Make Soft and Moist Banana Cake

Making the perfect homemade banana cake is simpler than you might think. Just follow these easy steps for a deliciously soft and moist easy banana cake. It will quickly become your family’s favorite dessert.

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In another bowl, mash 1 1/2 cups (about 3-4 ripe bananas) and set them aside.

In yet another bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cream 3/4 cup (170g) of unsalted butter, 1 cup (200g) of light or dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

1. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well.
2. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/4 cup (60ml) of buttermilk, until just combined.
3. Gently fold in the mashed bananas.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.

Bake the banana dessert for 45-50 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	2 cups (250g)
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Unsalted butter	3/4 cup (170g)
Light or dark brown sugar	1 cup (200g)
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup (100g)
Eggs	2 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Buttermilk	1/4 cup (60ml)
Ripe bananas, mashed	1 1/2 cups (about 3-4)

With these simple steps, you’ll have a moist and flavorful easy banana cake. It’s sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy!

The Secret Behind the Perfect Texture

Creating a soft and moist banana cake from scratch is all about the right mixing and temperature control. It’s a delicate balance of ingredients and how you prepare them. This balance is key to a perfect texture.

Proper Mixing Techniques

To get a soft banana cake, don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough and dense. Instead, gently mix the dry and wet ingredients until they just come together. This keeps the cake light and fluffy.

Creaming the butter and sugars well is also important. It adds air to the batter, making the cake light and fluffy. Spend time creaming until it’s light and fluffy. This step is the most time-consuming.

Temperature Control Tips

Using room temperature ingredients is crucial for a smooth batter. This includes the butter, eggs, and mashed bananas. Letting them warm up before mixing ensures they blend well. This makes the cake moist and tender.

Freezer Method for Extra Moisture

For even more moisture, try freezing the cake after baking. Place the whole cake in the freezer for about 45 minutes. This step locks in the moisture, keeping the cake soft. When you’re ready to serve, let it come to room temperature. Your banana cake will be soft, moist, and delicious.

Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

No banana dessert is complete without a luscious cream cheese frosting. This frosting is the perfect finishing touch. It adds a rich and tangy flavor that everyone will love.

To make the frosting, start by beating 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/2 cup of softened butter. Beat until smooth and creamy. Then, add 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Beat on low speed first, then high speed for about 2 minutes.

For an even thicker frosting, add an extra 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar. If you want a tangy twist, add a bit of lemon zest and juice. This will balance the sweetness and acidity, perfect for banana desserts.

Once the frosting is ready, spread it over the cooled homemade banana cake. Refrigerate the frosted cake for 30 minutes before serving. This will let the frosting set and become even more irresistible.

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream Cheese	8 ounces
Unsalted Butter	1/2 cup
Confectioners’ Sugar	3 cups (plus 1/4 cup optional)
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/8 teaspoon
Lemon Zest (optional)	1-2 teaspoons
Lemon Juice (optional)	1-2 tablespoons

Special Baking Tips and Timing Guidelines

Baking the perfect easy banana cake needs some finesse. Here are some special tips and timing guidelines. They’ll make your baking with bananas experience a success.

Pan Selection and Preparation

For this recipe, use a classic 9×13 inch baking pan. Grease the pan well with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Then, lightly flour the surface to prevent sticking.

Temperature and Timing Adjustments

Baking times can vary. Start checking the cake at around 55 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This might take up to 85 minutes, depending on your oven.

If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents over-browning.

Testing for Doneness

• Use the toothpick test to check for doneness – insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
• Another way to test is to gently press the top of the cake – if it springs back, the cake is done.
• You can also use a cake tester or a long wooden skewer for the same purpose.

Remember, oven temperatures can vary. So, keep a close eye on your easy banana cake as it bakes. With patience and these tips, you’ll enjoy a moist and flavorful baking with bananas creation soon.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Enjoy the moist and flavorful homemade banana cake from scratch for days. Here’s how to store and prepare this delightful treat in advance:

Once the homemade banana cake cools completely, store leftovers tightly in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, prepare the cake ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months before frosting.

Both frosted and unfrosted banana cake freeze well. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then put it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before frosting or enjoying.

Mastering these storage and make-ahead techniques lets you enjoy the perfect homemade banana cake anytime. This ensures a fresh and delicious experience every time.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Baking is all about trying new things. The banana dessert or banana bread recipe can be changed to fit your taste or diet. You can make cupcakes, Bundt cakes, and more. Let’s look at some tasty changes and ingredient swaps to make this banana cake a hit with your family.

Dietary Modifications

Need a gluten-free option? Use a gluten-free flour mix instead of all-purpose flour. Want a vegan version? Swap eggs for flax or chia eggs and butter for coconut oil or applesauce.

Frosting Alternatives

While cream cheese frosting is great, there are other yummy choices. Try vanilla buttercream, salted caramel frosting, or white chocolate buttercream for something different. For a nutty taste, go for brown butter cream cheese frosting.

For cupcakes, fill liners halfway and bake for 20-22 minutes. You can also make a 2-layer cake or a Bundt cake. And, using frozen bananas after thawing makes the cake extra moist and tasty.

Troubleshooting Common Baking Issues

Baking with bananas is fun, but sometimes, bakers face problems. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you solve common issues. You’ll learn how to make a soft and moist banana cake easily.

Underripe bananas can make your cake dry. Make sure your bananas are speckled or black before using them. Overripe bananas add sweetness and moisture.

1. If your cake sinks in the middle, check your baking soda. Also, don’t overmix the batter. This helps your cake stay fluffy.
2. A dense or gummy cake might come from cold butter and eggs. Make sure everything is at room temperature. This helps mix better.
3. To bake evenly, turn your pan halfway through. This prevents burnt edges and a soggy center.

Common Baking Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Dry Cake	Underripe Bananas	Use very ripe, speckled or black bananas
Sunken Middle	Stale Baking Soda, Overmixing	Check baking soda freshness, avoid excessive mixing
Dense or Gummy Texture	Cold Ingredients	Use room-temperature butter and eggs
Uneven Baking	Improper Oven Rotation	Rotate pan halfway through baking

With these tips, you’ll master baking with bananas. You’ll make a soft and moist banana cake every time. Happy baking!

Conclusion

This easy homemade banana cake recipe is a true delight. It will make it a family favorite. Its soft, moist texture and rich banana flavor make it a foolproof dessert.

Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or baking for a loved one, this cake impresses. The key to its success is the carefully selected ingredients. This includes the perfect ripeness of bananas, quality butter, and just-right sweetness.

With the irresistible cream cheese frosting, this cake offers a truly indulgent experience. Everyone will want more. This homemade banana cake recipe is a reliable choice for any occasion.

It’s a testament to classic, comforting flavors and the love in homemade baking. Enjoy this soft and moist banana cake. Let it become a beloved part of your family’s culinary traditions.

FAQ

What makes this banana cake recipe so special?

This banana cake recipe is special because it’s incredibly soft and moist. It has a rich banana flavor that’s even better than banana bread. Plus, it’s topped with a yummy lemon cream cheese frosting, making it perfect for family gatherings.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes a 9×13 inch cake. It serves about 15 people.

What are the key ingredients in this banana cake?

The main ingredients are 1.5 cups of mashed bananas (from 3-4 ripe bananas), 3 cups of all-purpose flour, and baking powder. You’ll also need baking soda, cinnamon, salt, 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, white and brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and 1.5 cups of buttermilk. For the frosting, you’ll need cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.

How do I ensure the perfect texture for the banana cake?

To get the perfect texture, don’t overmix the batter. Creaming the butter and sugars well makes the cake light and fluffy. Using room temperature ingredients helps too. Freezing the cake for 45 minutes after baking also keeps it moist and soft.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months before frosting. Both frosted and unfrosted cake freeze well. Just thaw the cake overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving or frosting.

What if my banana cake turns out too dry or has other issues?

If the cake is too dry, make sure the bananas are very ripe and don’t overbake. For sunken middles, check that the baking soda is fresh and avoid overmixing. If the cake is too dense, use room temperature butter and eggs and mix well to incorporate air. For uneven baking, rotate the pan halfway through baking.

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