This moist banana bread cake is a tasty way to use up ripe bananas! It’s soft, sweet, and has a lovely banana flavor that makes each slice a treat.
Making this cake is a breeze! Just mash the bananas, mix with ingredients, and bake. I love to enjoy it warm with a little butter on top—heavenly! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Choose really ripe bananas for the best flavor. If you don’t have bananas, you can try unsweetened applesauce, using 1/2 cup per banana, though this will change the flavor.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter, which lets me control the salt in the recipe. You can substitute with coconut oil or even a light vegetable oil—just melt it before mixing in.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the standard here, but you could use brown sugar for richer flavor, or try coconut sugar for a healthier option. You can reduce the sugar if your bananas are very sweet!
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Walnuts/Chocolate Chips: These are optional, but they add a fun twist! If nuts aren’t your thing, consider dried fruit like raisins or cranberries instead.
How Can I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so it’s important to stir gently once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Here are a few tips:
- Mix just until you see no dry flour—it’s okay if some lumps remain.
- Use a spatula to fold ingredients rather than a whisk or electric mixer.
- Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk to help keep the mixture light.
Following these tips will help ensure your banana bread cake is perfectly moist and fluffy!
Moist Banana Bread Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt (for extra moisture)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes for baking, plus an additional 10 minutes to cool in the pan. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy a slice of this delicious cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, prepare your cake pan by greasing and flouring a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8-inch square pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take the ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly until they are mostly smooth. This is the base of your cake and will add great flavor and moisture!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter to your mashed bananas and mix everything together well. Next, stir in the sugar until it’s nicely combined, then beat in the eggs, one at a time. Finish off by adding the vanilla extract.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you want a hint of spice). This helps distribute the baking soda evenly in the batter.
5. Combine All Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until you see no dry flour left!
6. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now for an extra texture and flavor boost.
7. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, take the cake out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing it up.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
This moist banana bread cake is delicious on its own, or you can dress it up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy your moist and delicious banana bread cake! 🍌🎂
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before mashing. The best way is to leave them in the fridge overnight or microwave them in 15-second bursts. They will be soft and perfect for your cake!
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend freshness, but make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! However, using whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture. To keep it light, you might consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How Can I Make This Cake More Moist?
Ensure your bananas are very ripe as they contribute to moisture and sweetness. Adding a bit more buttermilk or yogurt can also help increase the moisture content. Just avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light and fluffy!