This moist banana bread cake is a cozy treat that’s super easy to whip up. With ripe bananas and a hint of vanilla, it’s comfort food at its best!
I love how my kitchen smells like a bakery when this bakes. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to use up those overripe bananas sitting on the counter! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The more spots on your bananas, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash easily. If you’re out of bananas, try using applesauce instead—about 1/2 cup for each banana.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or melted vegetable oil. Both work well!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the norm, but brown sugar lends a deeper flavor and moisture. You can also swap in maple syrup—just use a little less and reduce the liquid slightly.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: These add extra moisture and tang. If you don’t have them, unsweetened applesauce or buttermilk can be good substitutes, keeping the cake moist.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, but you can skip them for a nut-free option. You could also add chocolate chips or dried fruit for a fun twist!
What’s the Best Way to Mash Bananas for Banana Bread Cake?
Mashing bananas properly gives your cake its signature flavor and texture. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture.
- If you like, you can also blend them in a food processor for an even smoother mash, perfect for a uniform cake.
- Remember, the riper the bananas, the easier they’ll mash!
How Can I Ensure My Cake Is Moist?
For a moist banana bread cake, follow these tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Add the sour cream or yogurt to boost moisture. This also keeps the cake tender.
- Check for doneness a few minutes before the baking time ends to avoid overbaking, which dries the cake out.
Enjoy making your banana bread cake! It’s a simple recipe that brings warmth and happiness to any kitchen. 🍞💛
Moist and Easy Banana Bread Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)
For Extra Moisture:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for extra moisture)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. So, overall, you can enjoy this treat in roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for achieving that perfect bake!
2. Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan. This will help prevent the cake from sticking.
3. Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small chunks are okay; they add nice texture!
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Then mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined into a smooth batter.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). This ensures that your leavening agent distributes evenly throughout the cake.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently and being careful not to overmix. You just want to combine them until there are no dry patches of flour left.
7. Add Extra Moisture
Fold in the sour cream (or yogurt) to ensure that your cake stays super moist. If you’d like, add the chopped nuts for an extra crunch!
8. Pour and Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
9. Bake!
Now it’s time to bake! Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and do the toothpick test—insert one into the center, and if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
10. Cool the Cake
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up nicely. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice up your delicious banana bread cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s fantastic on its own or with a spread of butter or cream cheese. Enjoy every bite!
This moist and easy banana bread cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering! Happy baking!
FAQ – Moist and Easy Banana Bread Cake
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen bananas overnight in the fridge or quickly in a microwave. Once thawed, drain any excess liquid and mash them as directed in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to pick one that’s designed for baking, as this will help maintain the cake’s texture!
Can I Add Other Ingredients for Flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices like nutmeg or ginger for a flavor twist. Just be mindful of not overwhelming the mixture!
How to Store Leftover Banana Bread Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To keep it moist, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Feel free to refer to this FAQ while you bake your delicious banana bread cake! Enjoy! 🍌✨