This banana bread cake is soft and tasty, made with ripe bananas that give it a lovely sweetness. It’s super easy to whip up, ideal for any time of the day!
Whenever I make this cake, my kitchen smells heavenly! I love enjoying it warm with a bit of butter, but it’s also great for breakfast or as a tasty snack. 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The star of this recipe! Use bananas that are heavily spotted or even browned for the sweetest flavor. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can bake them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred here because it lets you control the saltiness. If you want a lighter option, feel free to substitute with melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a healthier twist.
Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances the sweetness perfectly. If you prefer, use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or even maple sugar for a unique touch!
Buttermilk/Yogurt: Buttermilk adds moisture and tanginess. If you don’t have it, mix milk with a teaspoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes as a quick substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Banana Bread Cake Is Moist?
One major concern with banana bread cake is keeping it moist. Here are some handy tips to achieve that perfect texture:
- Use very ripe bananas as they add more moisture and natural sweetness.
- Don’t overmix your batter! Stir just until the dry ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Adding buttermilk or yogurt helps keep it tender, so don’t skip this step.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; start checking for doneness at 55 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Using these tips, you’ll have a deliciously moist banana bread cake everyone will love! Enjoy! 🍌
Moist and Easy Banana Bread Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Time Needed:
This delicious banana bread cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will need 55-65 minutes to bake. After that, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. So, you can enjoy your treat in about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5 inch loaf pan or an 8-inch square cake pan and grease it lightly. Then, dust it with a little flour to prevent sticking. You’re setting the stage for a golden loaf!
2. Mix the Banana Base:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then, pour in the melted butter and mix until combined. This gives your bread a nice moist texture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to your banana mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth blend.
4. Sift the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps aerate the flour and ensures your cake will rise nicely!
5. Blend It Together:
Now, gently mix the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Alternate adding the buttermilk or yogurt as you combine. Mix just until everything is barely combined; overmixing can make your cake dense!
6. Add Extras!
If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now. This will add some delightful texture and flavor to your cake.
7. Bake the Cake:
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Keep an eye on it and do the toothpick test — it should come out clean from the center when done!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your perfectly moist and delicious banana bread cake!
Enjoy this delightful treat with your favorite hot beverage, or just on its own — it’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in banana bread cake. Just thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash them as usual. They’ll be just as sweet and flavorful!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can make a few simple swaps! Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber, and substitute half of the sugar with applesauce or honey. You can also reduce the butter by half and replace it with unsweetened applesauce or yogurt.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap and then foil, and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, and then use it in the recipe!
