The Best Banana Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Banana Cake Recipe is a sweet treat that is sure to satisfy your cravings. The cake is moist, delicious and infused with the rich flavors of ripe bananas, a hint of lemon, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.

Photos of The Best Banana Cake Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are mostly pantry staples like flour, sugar, baking soda, eggs, and butter. The star ingredient is of course ripe bananas. The riper they are, the more flavor they'll bring to the cake. If bananas aren't a regular in your fruit bowl, be sure to add them to your shopping list. For the frosting, you'll require cream cheese, which is usually found in the dairy section of your supermarket.

Ingredients for Ultimate Banana Cake

Bananas: The key component of the recipe that gives the cake its distinctive flavor and moist texture. The bananas should be ripe for maximum taste.

Lemon juice: Adds a bit of tanginess and enhances the flavor of the bananas.

Milk: Adds moisture and aids in the baking process.

Flour: The base of the cake, it gives the cake structure.

Baking soda: Works as a leavening agent, making the cake light and fluffy.

Salt: Balances the sweetness of the cake.

Butter: Provides richness and flavor.

White sugar and Brown sugar: Sweetens the cake and contribute to its moistness.

Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds to the structure of the cake.

Vanilla: Adds depth of flavor.

Cream cheese: The base of the frosting which gives it a creamy, tangy flavor.

Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese frosting and helps it achieve the right consistency.

One reader, Aldis Winkler says:

This banana cake recipe is a game-changer! The cake is incredibly moist and bursting with banana flavor. The frosting is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It's a hit every time I make it, and my friends and family can't get enough of it!

Aldis Winkler

Techniques Required for Making the Ultimate Banana Cake

How to prepare the cake batter: Combine the mashed bananas with lemon juice and set aside. Beat together the butter, brown and white sugar until combined. Add in eggs one at a time and vanilla, mixing on high until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the egg mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the mashed bananas and pour the batter into the prepared pan.

How to bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Once the cake is in the oven, reduce the heat to 300 degrees F. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.

How to cool the cake: After removing the cake from the oven, place it in the freezer for 45 minutes to enhance moisture. Then, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

How to make the cream cheese frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, beating until creamy and well combined. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

How To Make The Best Banana Cake

An irresistible banana dessert you’ve had in a long time! This wonderful banana cake recipe would easily have you wanting seconds!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total: 1 hour 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1⅓cupsmashed bananas
2½tbsplemon juicedivided
1½cupsmilk
3cupsflour
1½tspbaking soda
¼tspsalt
⅔cupbuttersoftened
1cupwhite sugar
½cupbrown sugar
3eggslarge
1tspvanilla

For Frosting:

8ozcream cheese
⅓cup buttersoftened
3½cupspowdered sugar
1tsplemon juice
1½tsplemon zestfrom 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan.
Place 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice in a measuring cup. Top to 1 ½ cups with milk. Set aside.
Mix together mashed banana with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, set aside.
Beat together butter, brown and white sugar until combined. Add in eggs one at a time and vanilla. Mix on high until light and fluffy (almost the texture of frosting).
Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to egg mixture stirring just until combined. Do not overmix. Fold in bananas. Pour into prepared pan.
Put into the oven and reduce heat to 300 degrees F. Bake 60 to 70 minutes or just until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and do not over bake.
Remove from oven and place in the freezer for 45 minutes to make the cake extra moist.
Cool completely before frosting.

Nutrition

Calories: 476.62kcal
Fat: 19.38g
Saturated Fat: 11.48g
Trans Fat: 0.50g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.03g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.01g
Carbohydrates: 71.78g
Fiber: 1.22g
Sugar: 49.77g
Protein: 5.69g
Cholesterol: 83.60mg
Sodium: 246.98mg
Calcium: 60.51mg
Potassium: 177.89mg
Iron: 0.63mg
Vitamin A: 184.44µg
Vitamin C: 3.11mg

Helpful Technique for Making the Ultimate Banana Cake

When folding the bananas into the batter, be gentle and take your time. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake. The goal is to keep as much air in the batter as possible for a light, fluffy texture. Also, using ripe bananas will give your cake a stronger, sweeter banana flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Banana Cake

Prep ahead: Prepare the mashed bananas, measure out the dry ingredients, and set out the dairy and eggs the night before to streamline the baking process.

Organize ingredients: Group together the ingredients needed for the cake and frosting to avoid searching for items during the recipe preparation.

Use ripe bananas: Select ripe bananas for enhanced sweetness and flavor, which can elevate the taste of the cake.

Room temperature ingredients: Allow the butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature before starting the recipe for smoother mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.

Efficient mixing: Use an electric mixer for creaming the butter and sugar to save time and ensure a consistent texture.

Substitute Ingredients For The Best Banana Cake Recipe

mashed bananas - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can add moisture and sweetness similar to mashed bananas, while also providing a slightly different flavor profile.
lemon juice - Substitute with white vinegar: White vinegar can provide the acidity needed in the recipe, similar to lemon juice.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a rich and creamy texture to the cake, as well as a hint of coconut flavor.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour, adding a nutty flavor and a denser texture to the cake.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, but it may alter the texture slightly.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the cake.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and moisture to the cake, while also providing a distinct flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the cake, similar to brown sugar.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs, providing binding properties to the cake batter.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy frosting alternative to cream cheese.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a less refined alternative to powdered sugar, adding a caramel-like sweetness to the frosting.

Presentation Ideas for the Ultimate Banana Cake

Elevate the plating: When presenting the ultimate banana cake, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use edible flowers and gold leaf to add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a crunchy element to the presentation by sprinkling caramelized nuts on top of the cake. This will provide a delightful contrast to the soft and moist cake.
Artful drizzling: Create an eye-catching design on the plate using caramel sauce or chocolate ganache. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a layer of indulgence to the dessert.
Garnish with fresh fruit: Adorn the plate with slices of fresh strawberries and kiwi to introduce vibrant colors and a refreshing element to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing some areas of the plate to remain empty, drawing attention to the focal point of the dessert – the exquisite banana cake.

Essential Tools for Making Banana Cake

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the batter for the ultimate banana cake.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately measure and portion the ingredients, such as lemon juice and milk, for the banana cake recipe.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are necessary for precise measurements of ingredients like baking soda, salt, and vanilla in the banana cake recipe.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer is used to cream the butter and sugars, as well as to beat the eggs and create a light and fluffy texture for the banana cake batter.
9x13-inch pan: A 9x13-inch pan is required for baking the ultimate banana cake, providing the perfect size and shape for the cake.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for folding in the mashed bananas into the cake batter and for smoothing the batter in the pan.
Oven: The oven is necessary for baking the ultimate banana cake to perfection at the specified temperature.
Freezer: The freezer is used to cool the baked cake quickly, helping to retain moisture and create an extra moist texture for the ultimate banana cake.
Grater: A grater is used to zest the lemon for the frosting, adding a burst of citrus flavor to the ultimate banana cake.

Storing and Freezing Banana Cake

Once the banana cake has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you want to freeze the banana cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
If you want to freeze individual slices of the banana cake, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat a slice, let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
If you've already frosted the banana cake with the cream cheese frosting, you can still freeze it. Place the frosted cake in the freezer for about an hour to let the frosting harden, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
If you have leftover cream cheese frosting, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

How To Reheat Leftover Banana Cake

The best way to reheat leftover ultimate banana cake is to wrap individual slices in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps to retain the cake's moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Another option is to microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds on medium power. To prevent the cake from becoming soggy, place a damp paper towel over the slice before microwaving. This will help to keep the cake moist without making it too wet.
If you have a large portion of leftover cake, you can reheat it in a covered dish in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C), cover the cake with aluminum foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's warmed through. This method is ideal for maintaining the cake's texture and flavor.
For a quick and easy option, you can also reheat leftover banana cake in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake slice in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method will give the cake a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and fluffy.
If you want to add a touch of extra flavor and moisture to your leftover cake, try brushing it with a mixture of lemon juice and powdered sugar before reheating. This will create a delightful glaze that complements the cake's flavors and helps to keep it moist during the reheating process.

Interesting Fact About Banana Cake

The ultimate banana cake recipe is a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to use up overripe bananas and create a delicious dessert. The combination of bananas, lemon, and cream cheese frosting creates a delightful flavor profile that is sure to please any crowd. This cake is a wonderful addition to any gathering and is a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether it's for a birthday, potluck, or just a special treat, this banana cake is a winner. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate fruit into your dessert, adding a touch of natural sweetness.

Is Making Banana Cake at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this banana cake recipe is quite high. Bananas and basic baking ingredients are generally affordable and readily available. The use of simple, everyday ingredients makes this recipe budget-friendly for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, depending on the availability and pricing of ingredients. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 9/10, considering its affordability, delicious taste, and the ability to serve as a delightful dessert for the family.

Is This Banana Cake Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

While the ultimate banana cake recipe sounds delicious, it is not particularly healthy. The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar, with both white and brown sugar, as well as powdered sugar in the frosting. This high sugar content can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, the recipe uses butter and cream cheese, which are high in saturated fats and can raise cholesterol levels.

However, there are some positive aspects to the recipe. Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. The recipe also includes some lemon juice and zest, which can provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter and frosting, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead
Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
Use Greek yogurt or applesauce in place of some of the butter to reduce the saturated fat content
Add in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for healthy fats and extra protein
Top the cake with fresh fruit, like sliced bananas or berries, instead of frosting for a lighter option

By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the delicious flavor of the ultimate banana cake while making it a bit more nutritious. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to indulging in sweet treats like this one.

Editor's Opinion on This Banana Cake Recipe

The ultimate banana cake recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of mashed bananas and lemon juice adds a refreshing and tangy twist to the cake, while the cream cheese frosting with lemon zest and juice provides a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy notes. The technique of cooling the cake in the freezer enhances its moisture, resulting in a lusciously tender crumb. This recipe is a wonderful choice for any occasion, and the attention to detail in the instructions ensures a delectable outcome.

Enhance Your The Best Banana Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Whipped garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan and chives

Grilled Vegetables: Colorful and flavorful grilled vegetable skewers with a balsamic glaze

Fruit Salad: Refreshing tropical fruit salad with a honey lime dressing

Chicken Soup: Hearty and comforting chicken noodle soup with homemade broth

Chocolate Cake: Decadent triple-layer chocolate cake with a rich ganache frosting

Similar Recipes to the Ultimate Banana Cake

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and cream creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Garlic parmesan roasted broccoli is a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. The broccoli is roasted to perfection with garlic, parmesan, and a touch of olive oil for a crispy and flavorful result.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and nutritious dessert that is perfect for a light and satisfying treat. The combination of sweet mango, creamy coconut milk, and chia seeds creates a delightful pudding that is both healthy and delicious.

Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Banana Cake

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites are filled with a creamy mixture and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Caprese Skewers: These colorful skewers feature fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with a balsamic glaze for a refreshing and elegant appetizer option.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. This classic Italian favorite is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stroganoff: Treat your taste buds to a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef strips in a creamy and savory sauce. This Russian-inspired main course is perfect for a cozy night in and will leave you feeling fully satisfied.

Why trust this The Best Banana Cake Recipe:

This recipe is a tried and tested favorite, guaranteed to impress with its moist and flavorful banana cake. The combination of ripe bananas and zesty lemon juice creates a delightful harmony of flavors. The addition of cream cheese frosting, made with butter and a hint of lemon zest, adds a luscious and tangy finish. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, this recipe promises to be a delightful treat for any occasion. Trust in the expertise of this culinary creation for a truly unforgettable dessert experience.

Got a favorite banana cake recipe of your own? Share your thoughts on Baking and Desserts and let's compare notes on the best ways to make this classic treat!

FAQ:

Can I use ripe or overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, ripe or overripe bananas work best for this recipe as they are sweeter and have a stronger flavor, which enhances the taste of the cake.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! You can use a variety of frostings such as chocolate ganache, vanilla buttercream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I freeze the banana cake for later consumption?

Yes, you can freeze the banana cake. Ensure it is properly wrapped to maintain its moisture and flavor. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use a different pan size for baking the cake?

Yes, you can use a different pan size, but the baking time may vary. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness using a toothpick.

How long will the frosted banana cake last?

The frosted banana cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out.