This moist and easy banana bread cake is a warm hug in dessert form! Made with ripe bananas, it’s sweet, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of banana bread baking. I always sneak a slice while it cools—even if it’s a tad hot! 🍌 Just mix, pour, and bake—so easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for moisture and sweetness. If you don’t have any, you can use applesauce (1/3 cup for 1 banana) or pumpkin puree for a different flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter brings richness to the cake. If you prefer, you can substitute it with melted coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness. You can replace it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tang. You can make your own by adding 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Regular milk or yogurt also work well!
How Can You Make Sure Your Banana Bread Cake is Moist and Fluffy?
The key technique here is not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which isn’t what we want! Here’s how to keep it light:
- Mix wet ingredients thoroughly before combining with dry.
- When you add the flour, stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if a few lumps remain!
- Check the cake in the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick should come out clean but don’t wait too long or it will dry out.
Letting it cool on a wire rack helps it stay fluffy. Enjoy this yummy treat!
Moist and Easy Banana Bread Cake
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
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana bread cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow for an additional 10 minutes of cooling time before slicing. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will ensure your cake comes out beautifully!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your mashed bananas and melted butter, and mix them together until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few banana lumps—a bit of texture is good!
3. Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla:
Next, add the granulated sugar, large eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined. This step adds sweetness and flavor!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to aerate the flour and ensure there are no clumps of baking soda.
5. Mix Together the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Remember, the key is not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
6. Fold in Optional Ingredients:
If you’d like to add some extra crunch or sweetness, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips at this stage. They make a delightful addition!
7. Pour Batter into the Pan:
Pour the prepared batter into your greased cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. It’s ready for the oven!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step will help it set up nicely!
Now that your moist and easy banana bread cake is ready, enjoy it with a delightful cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat!
FAQ for Moist and Easy Banana Bread Cake
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Cake?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great. Just thaw them before using, and drain any excess liquid. They’ll be mushy, which is perfect for this recipe!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover banana bread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using in your recipe!
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
You can customize this cake by adding ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of maple syrup for extra flavor. Feel free to mix in dried fruits or chocolate chips for variety!
