Easy Banana Cake Recipe for a Moist, Delicious Dessert

Craving a sweet, comforting dessert that’s simple to make and bursting with banana flavor? This banana cake recipe delivers a moist, fluffy cake that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to a cozy night in. With ripe bananas and a velvety cream cheese frosting, this easy recipe will become your go-to treat.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake Recipe

Banana cake is a classic dessert that’s hands down the best when you want something sweet yet simple. Compared to banana bread, this cake is airier and softer, with a delicate texture that’s simply delightful. It’s also a great way to use overripe bananas sitting on your counter.

Have you ever wondered what makes a banana cake so moist? The secret lies in using ripe bananas and ingredients like sour cream or buttermilk, which add richness and keep the cake soft. This recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring no fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a baking pan.

Ingredients for the Perfect Banana Cake

To make this cake, you’ll need simple pantry staples. Using room-temperature ingredients ensures a smooth cake batter. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or buttermilk)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to enhance banana flavor)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment You’ll Need

To begin, collect these tools for an effortless baking experience:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Cake

Follow these steps for a cake that’s moist and full of banana flavor. The process takes about 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with baking paper for simple cleanup.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a small bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to enhance the banana flavor and prevent browning. Aim for roughly 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until creamy and airy, about 2 minutes. Incorporate 2 eggs, adding them one by one and mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 cup sour cream for extra moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) with a whisk. These dry ingredients ensure the cake rises perfectly.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the mashed bananas gently to keep the batter light. Avoid overmixing the batter, as it can result in a heavy cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the cake’s middle shows no batter. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter until well-blended. Gradually blend in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to make cream cheese frosting until velvety and smooth. Smoothly apply the frosting over the cooled cake’s surface.

Tips for a Moist Banana Cake

Want to know how to make your banana cake extra moist? Here are some proven tips:

• Use ripe bananas: Bananas with brown spots are sweeter and softer, perfect for baking.
• Don’t skip the sour cream: It adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Avoid overmixing: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the cake tender.
• Check doneness early: Start testing with a toothpick at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Variations to Try

This banana cake recipe is versatile and can be customized. Here are some ideas:

• Add nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Chocolate chip banana cake: Mix in 3/4 cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Vegan option: Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based butter and cream cheese.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Banana Cake vs. Banana Bread: What’s the Difference?

You might wonder how banana cake differs from banana bread. While both use mashed bananas, banana cake is lighter and sweeter, designed as a dessert with frosting, unlike banana bread. Banana bread is denser, often baked in a loaf pan, and served as a breakfast or snack. This recipe leans toward a fluffy cake texture, making it ideal for special occasions.

How to Store Your Banana Cake

To keep your cake fresh, follow these storage tips:

• At room temperature: Store unfrosted cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Frosted cake lasts up to 5 days in the fridge, covered tightly.
• Encase unfrosted cake securely in cling film and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

Serving Suggestions

This banana cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with these ideas:

• Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert.
• Serve alongside fresh berries for vibrant color and taste.
• Dust with powdered sugar instead of frosting for a lighter cake option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Fully defrost bananas and remove excess moisture before mashing. They’ll still provide great banana flavor.

How Can I Make My Banana Cake Healthier?

For a healthier version, reduce sugar to 1 cup, use whole wheat flour, or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. These changes maintain the moist texture while cutting calories.

Why This Banana Cake Recipe Stands Out

This banana cake recipe stands out for its perfect blend of ease and rich flavor. The combination of ripe bananas, sour cream, and cream cheese frosting creates a dessert that’s moist, rich, and universally loved. Unlike some recipes that require hours of prep, this one comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy bakers.

A Note on Ingredients and Sourcing

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients. Using organic bananas or farm-fresh eggs can boost the cake’s taste. For tips on ingredients or more baking inspiration, visit sites like Allrecipes or Sally’s Baking Addiction. Note: This post may contain affiliate links; read our disclosure for details.

Conclusion: Bake This Banana Cake Today

This banana cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a moist, flavorful dessert. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a cake that impresses friends and family. No matter if you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, this recipe consistently shines. Try it today and share your thoughts below—did you add nuts or go for the vegan version?