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The Best Banana Cake – So Delicious and Super Easy Recipe

The Best Banana Cake – So Delicious and Super Easy Recipe

4.9 from 26 reviews

This moist, flavorful banana cake is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Made with ripe mashed bananas, tangy buttermilk, and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture. The cake stays super moist by a unique freezing step after baking, making it an irresistible treat for banana lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups ripe mashed bananas
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 1/8 cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups icing sugar
  • Optional: chopped walnuts or decorative hearts for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Banana and Lemon Juice: In a small bowl, combine the mashed bananas with lemon juice to enhance flavor and prevent browning. Set aside.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened 3/4 cup butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they incorporate well, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for flavor.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture. Stir in the banana and lemon juice mixture until evenly blended.
  7. Pour and Bake: Pour the completed batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Freeze to Moisturize: Remove the cake from the oven and place it directly into the freezer for 45 minutes. This step locks in moisture and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
  9. Prepare Frosting: For the frosting, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and combined. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  10. Add Icing Sugar: Add the icing sugar slowly, beating on low speed until combined, then increase speed to high and beat until the frosting is light and smooth.
  11. Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on the cooled cake to cover the top.
  12. Optional Decoration: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or decorative hearts over the top of the frosting for an extra touch before serving.

Notes

  • Using ripe bananas ensures maximum sweetness and moisture in the cake.
  • Freezing the cake after baking is key for maintaining moisture, but you can skip this step if in a hurry; expect a slightly drier texture.
  • Buttermilk creates a tender crumb and adds a subtle tang; if unavailable, use milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
  • Make sure all butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth mixing without lumps.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Feel free to add nuts inside the batter for a different texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana cake, cream cheese frosting, easy banana dessert, moist banana cake, homemade cake