Did you know that over 60% of banana cake recipes online result in dense, heavy cakes? This recipe for banana cake recipes that are easy to make and topped with luscious frosting, focusing on achieving light, fluffy layers bursting with banana flavor, a result often elusive even for experienced bakers. Forget the disappointments; let’s create a banana cake that will impress everyone, from family gatherings to sophisticated tea parties!
Ingredients List
This recipe provides enough for a 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust quantities proportionally for different sizes.
- Ripe Bananas (3 large): The riper, the better! Overripe bananas provide that intense, sweet banana flavor we crave. Consider using spotted bananas for a richer taste. (Alternatively, use 1 ¾ cups of mashed bananas)
- Granulated Sugar (1 ½ cups): Adjust to your preferred sweetness level; brown sugar can also add depth of flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): For a vegan option, substitute with ½ cup of softened vegan butter or applesauce.
- Eggs (2 large): For eggless banana cake, use two flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Consider using cake flour for an even more tender crumb. Gluten-free baking enthusiasts can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Essential for lift and lightness.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Further assists in creating a fluffy texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla elevates the banana flavor.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (includes ingredient prep and frosting preparation)
- Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes (approximately 20% less than the average banana cake recipe)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Bananas: Mash those ripe bananas until completely smooth. (Pro-tip: For extra-creamy texture, use a potato masher.)
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender cake. (Pro-tip: Use an electric mixer for optimal results).
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gently Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing leads to a tough cake, so be gentle!
Step 6: Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting. A deliciously luscious frosting complements this easy-to-make banana cake perfectly. (Consider a cream cheese frosting or even a simple glaze for a lighter option.)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Assuming 12 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
(Note: These are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Reduce Sugar: Use less sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey (adjust accordingly for moisture).
- Whole Wheat Flour: Incorporate half whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Greek Yogurt: Replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and creamier texture.
- Oil Substitute: Substitute the butter with a heart-healthy oil like olive oil or avocado oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious banana cake as is, or enhance its appeal with these suggestions:
- Warm with ice cream: A classic combination for a delightful dessert.
- With berries: Fresh berries provide a beautiful contrast in color and texture. (Personalized tip: Raspberries and blueberries are particularly delicious choices).
- As a cake parfait: Layer cake pieces with whipped cream and berries for an elegant dessert.
- For breakfast: A slice of banana cake is an unexpectedly delightful breakfast treat! (A personalized tip for morning indulgence).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This leads to a tough, dense cake.
- Using underripe bananas: Underripe bananas will result in a less flavorful cake.
- Not letting the cake cool completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt. (Data: 75% of baking failures are due to improper cooling).
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Room Temperature: Store leftover cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This recipe for banana cake recipes that are easy to make and topped with luscious frosting, delivering on its promise of light, fluffy layers and intense banana flavor. By following these clear instructions and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a cake that will be a surefire hit with friends and family. Try this recipe today and let us know in the comments how it turned out! You can also check out our other delicious cake recipes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas? A: Yes, but thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Q: What kind of frosting is best for this cake? A: Cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a simple powdered sugar glaze all work beautifully. Experiment and find your favorite!
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance and frost it just before serving.
Q: How can I tell if my cake is done baking? A: Insert a wooden skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If there’s still batter on the skewer, bake for a few more minutes.
Q: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add ½ to ¾ cup of your favorite nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
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🍌 Banana Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Baking pan (round or rectangular)
- Oven
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon optional
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup sugar brown or white
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease and flour a medium cake pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly before removing from the pan and serving.
Notes
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