Banana Cake – If you love the warm, comforting flavour of ripe bananas baked into a soft, buttery sponge, then you’re going to fall in love with this moist and flavorful Banana Cake. Unlike banana bread, which tends to be dense and rustic, banana cake is light, airy, and delicate, with a fluffy crumb and perfectly balanced sweetness.
It’s the kind of dessert that brings back childhood memories—grandma’s kitchen, weekend baking, and the irresistible smell of bananas caramelising in the oven.
Recipe Overview
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Keyword Used Once: Banana Cake
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Cuisine: American / Global
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Course: Dessert, Snack Cake
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Servings: 10–12 slices
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Calories per serving: Approx. 360
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Active Time: 15 minutes
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Resting Time: 25 minutes cooling
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Total Time: 60 minutes
Equipment Needed
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Large mixing bowl
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Electric mixer or balloon whisk
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Spatula
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8×8-inch square baking pan or 8-inch round pan
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Sifter (optional but helpful)
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Cooling rack
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Parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 ½ cups (195g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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3 medium very ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
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½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nutrition (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease your baking pan with butter or line it completely with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and maintains its shape.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. A few small chunks are fine—they add great texture. Riper bananas yield sweeter, more flavorful cake.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy and pale. Proper creaming helps incorporate air and gives your cake a softer, fluffier crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and slightly airy.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Cinnamon & nutmeg (if using)
Sifting the dry ingredients helps prevent lumps and ensures an even rise.
6. Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk Alternately
Add half of the dry mixture to the wet mixture and fold gently. Pour in the buttermilk and mix until incorporated. Add the remaining dry ingredients and fold just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.
7. Fold in Mashed Bananas
Gently fold in the mashed bananas. The batter should look smooth and slightly thick.
(If adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.)
8. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 28–35 minutes, depending on pan size, or until:
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A toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean
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The top is golden and lightly springy to the touch
9. Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before frosting or slicing.
Tips for Perfect Banana Cake
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Use very ripe bananas—brown and speckled—because they provide the sweetest, richest flavor.
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Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added; this keeps the cake soft and airy.
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Use buttermilk for ultra-moist texture and extra tenderness.
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Add spices like cinnamon for warmth and complexity.
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Let the cake cool fully before frosting to avoid melting.
Conclusion
Banana cake is the ultimate comfort dessert—soft, moist, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a simple snack cake or elevate it with frosting and toppings, it always delivers a lovely combination of sweetness and warmth. This recipe captures everything you want in a homemade banana cake: foolproof steps, rich flavor, and a perfect tender crumb.
