There’s something undeniably nostalgic about banana cake. Its warm, homey scent wafting through the kitchen as it bakes, the soft and fluffy crumb, and the subtle sweetness of ripe bananas – all come together to create a dessert that feels like a hug from your childhood. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family get-together, or simply a mid-week craving, banana cake never fails to deliver a comforting slice of happiness. Unlike banana bread, which leans more towards dense and hearty, banana cake is known for its moist, tender texture and lighter crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s a treat that bridges the gap between a snack and a full-blown dessert, making it perfect for any time of day.
What sets this banana cake recipe apart from the rest is its incredible softness, deep banana flavor, and the rich cream cheese frosting that complements the cake perfectly without overwhelming it. The recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, using pantry staples with a few tips and tricks to elevate the end result. A combination of sour cream and buttermilk lends extra moisture, while a gentle mix ensures the crumb stays delicate and fluffy.
For those who often find themselves with overripe bananas, this recipe is the ideal way to transform what might be tossed into a gourmet-level cake. It’s also a versatile base – you can add walnuts for crunch, a layer of caramel for richness, or even turn it into cupcakes for a party. Whether you’re baking it for a crowd or just yourself, this banana cake will quickly become your go-to.
Another bonus? This cake stores beautifully, becoming even more flavorful the next day. It’s one of those rare cakes that gets better with time. You can make it a day ahead for a party and rest easy knowing it’ll be perfect when served. And while the cream cheese frosting is classic, feel free to get creative – a whipped peanut butter frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar also works wonders.
This cake also strikes the perfect balance between casual and elegant. Serve it in a rustic style straight from the pan, or dress it up on a cake stand with piped frosting and banana chips for garnish. No matter the occasion, it feels special. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter – everyone has a memory tied to banana desserts.
The banana flavor in this cake is strong but not overpowering. We use three large overripe bananas to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and intensity. The riper, the better – those bananas with speckled skins are ideal. They not only mash easier but bring a depth of flavor that’s irreplaceable.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice trying your hand at something new, this recipe is forgiving and reliable. Even if you’re slightly off on the banana measurements or bake time, you’ll still end up with something delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that builds confidence in the kitchen.
When frosted, the cake transforms into a celebration-worthy dessert, perfect for birthdays or holidays. The creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting cuts through the sweetness and ties everything together. It’s a match made in baking heaven.
This banana cake is also a hit with kids. The familiar banana flavor and the creamy topping make it a crowd-pleaser. You can even involve them in the baking process – mashing the bananas or mixing the batter – making it a fun family activity.
Lastly, this cake smells amazing. From the moment it starts baking, your kitchen will be filled with the cozy aroma of vanilla, banana, and butter. It’s hard to wait until it cools, but trust us – it’s worth every minute.
Servings:
12 slices
Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Banana Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Mix in mashed bananas, sour cream, and buttermilk until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Tips:
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter – it can lead to a dense cake.
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- If you want a layered cake, divide batter into two 9-inch round pans and adjust bake time accordingly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This banana cake is incredibly moist, flavorful, and easy to make. The combination of simple ingredients and rich flavor makes it a go-to recipe for all occasions. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and impress guests with minimal effort. The cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch, adding a creamy, tangy balance to the sweet, tender cake.
Summary:
A soft, moist banana cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy, uses pantry staples, and always delivers bakery-worthy results. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
