I adore fluffy banana cake, but my favorite kind of cake is when it’s covered in a delicious cream cheese frosting! For added flavor, I add a tiny bit of lemon zest and juice to my cream cheese frosting, but you may also omit the lemon and replace it with vanilla.
Once you taste this cake, you won’t be able to make anything else. You’ll want to make this recipe whenever you have overripe bananas on the counter! To be honest, I purchase extra bananas all the time to ripen and bake this cake!
Recipe
- Ripe Bananas:
- Bananas are the star of the show in this recipe, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor to the cake.
- Ripe bananas with brown spots on the peel are ideal for baking as they are sweeter and have a more intense banana flavor.
- When mashed, the bananas create a smooth and creamy texture that adds moisture and richness to the cake.
2. All Purpose
- All-purpose flour serves as the base ingredient for the cake, providing structure and texture.
- It contains the necessary gluten proteins that give the cake its soft and tender crumb.
- Be sure to measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a flat edge to avoid compacting it.
3 . Baking Powder and Baking Soda:
- Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- Baking powder reacts with the acidic components in the batter to produce carbon dioxide gas, which creates bubbles and leaves the cake.
- Baking soda, on the other hand, requires an acidic ingredient (like buttermilk) to activate its leavening properties.
4 . Salt:
- Salt enhances the flavor of the cake by balancing the sweetness and enhancing other flavors.
- It also strengthens the gluten structure, resulting in a more tender and cohesive crumb.
5 . Unsalted Butter:
- Butter adds richness and flavor to the cake while also contributing to its tender texture.
- Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
6 . Granulated Sugar:
- Sugar sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness by attracting and retaining moisture.
- It also caramelizes during baking, adding depth of flavor and creating a golden crust on the cake.
7 . Eggs
- Eggs act as binders, helping to hold the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
- They also contribute moisture, richness, and a tender texture to the finished product.
8 . Vanilla Extract:
- Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cake with its warm and aromatic notes.
- It adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile of the cake.
9 . Buttermilk (or Substitute):
- Buttermilk adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tangy flavor to the cake.
- The acidity of buttermilk also reacts with baking soda to help leaven the cake.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, you can create a substitute by combining regular milk with lemon juice or white vinegar, which mimics the acidity of buttermilk.
Each of these components is essential to achieving the ideal ratio of flavor, texture, and moisture in our masterpiece of banana cake. You can confidently navigate the recipe and reliably produce excellent results every time you bake if you know how each component works.
How to Make Banana Cake
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas:
- Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
- Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the bananas until smooth and very few lumps remain. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Creaming should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
- Combine the Banana Mixture:
- Gently fold the mashed bananas into the wet mixture until fully incorporated. The mixture may appear slightly curdled, which is normal.
- Alternate Additions:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the banana cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Afterward, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your banana cake is browning too quickly on top, but it’s still not fully cooked in the middle, tent it with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
- Ensure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor and moisture in your cake. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for baking.
How to store Banana Cake
Now that your banana cake masterpiece is complete, it’s time to discuss the best ways to store it to maintain its freshness and flavor.
- If you plan to devour your cake within a day or two, simply store it covered at room temperature. Be sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- For longer storage, you can refrigerate the banana cake. Again, ensure it’s tightly wrapped to maintain moisture. Before serving, allow it to come to room temperature to enhance its flavor and texture.
- Banana cake also freezes exceptionally well. Once cooled completely, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the countertop before serving.
Conclusion
And with that, our joyful quest to make the ideal banana cake comes to a conclusion. This cake is guaranteed to be a delight with friends and family alike thanks to its delicious flavor, rich texture, and soft crumb. The sensations are always delighted by the wonder of banana cake, whether it is consumed warm straight out of the oven or when it’s cold and rainy outside. So go forth, my fellow bakers, and let happiness flood your home with the perfume of ripe bananas and spicy spices!
