This moist and fluffy banana bread cake is a treat you won’t want to miss! It’s packed with ripe bananas that add sweetness and flavor, making it a perfect dessert or snack.
Baking this cake is super simple! Just mix, pour, and bake. I love to enjoy mine warm with a little butter. It’s a delightful way to use those overripe bananas lurking in your kitchen! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This gives structure to your cake. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour instead.
Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a good alternative, but the flavor will be different.
Sour cream or yogurt: This adds moisture and richness. You can replace it with buttermilk or even a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Butter: Unsalted is best for control over the salt content. You could substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, just ensure it’s melted.
How Do You Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar together is crucial for a light, fluffy texture in your banana bread cake. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your butter is softened, which means it should not be cold or melted.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter until it’s smooth.
- Add in the sugar gradually, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- This process incorporates air, creating a lovely texture in your cake.
Moist and Easy Banana Bread Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 to 1 ¼ cups)
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread cake will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 45-55 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan after baking before moving it to a wire rack, and then it’s ready to slice and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square or round cake pan to help the cake release easily once it’s baked.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This mixes the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
5. Combine Bananas and Sour Cream:
Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is nicely blended.
6. Finish the Batter:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
7. Optional Add-ins:
If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now for some extra flavor and texture!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake to check for doneness; it should come out clean when it’s ready.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your moist and delicious banana bread cake!
FAQ for Moist and Easy Banana Bread Cake
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They’ll add great moisture to your cake!
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Yes! You can use plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even applesauce as a substitute for sour cream. Each will add moisture, but may vary slightly in flavor and texture.
What Can I Add to Customize This Cake?
Feel free to get creative! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor, or mix in different add-ins like dried fruit, or a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for a twist!
