If you’re looking for the perfect banana cake recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This easy, moist, and homemade banana cake is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat. Packed with ripe bananas and topped with a delicious frosting, this cake is simple to make yet delivers incredible flavor. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to bake the best banana cake—from ingredients to step-by-step instructions and even creative variations.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake Recipe
This homemade banana cake is a must-try for several reasons:
- Moist and tender crumb—thanks to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.
- Easy to make—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Versatile—perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat.
- Customizable—works with different frostings, toppings, and dietary adjustments.
Ingredients for the Best Banana Cake
To make this easy banana cake recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with ½ tbsp vinegar)
Optional for frosting: Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for a classic banana cake with cream cheese frosting.
How to Make Banana Cake: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to bake a moist banana cake at home:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Fold in the mashed bananas.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes (or until a toothpick comes out clean). Let it cool before frosting.
Tips for the Perfect Moist Banana Cake
- Use overripe bananas—they add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix—stir just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Check for doneness early—ovens vary, so test at the 25-minute mark.
- Let it cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Variations to Try
This classic banana cake is delicious as-is, but here are some fun twists:
Vegan Banana Cake
Replace eggs with flax eggs, butter with coconut oil, and buttermilk with almond milk + vinegar for a vegan banana cake.
Gluten-Free Banana Cake
Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make a gluten-free banana cake.
Banana Bundt Cake
Bake the batter in a Bundt pan for an elegant banana bundt cake.
Banana Cake with Icing
Top with a simple glaze or banana cake with cream cheese frosting for extra decadence.
Best Banana Cake Toppings & Decoration Ideas
Make your banana cake decoration stand out with these ideas:
- Cream cheese frosting with chopped walnuts
- Whipped cream and fresh banana slices
- Caramel drizzle and toasted coconut
- Chocolate ganache for a rich twist
FAQs About Banana Cake
Can I make banana cake without an oven?
Yes! Try a banana cake without oven by steaming it in a pressure cooker or using a stovetop pan.
How do I store banana cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze banana cake?
Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Final Thoughts
This easy banana cake recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy a moist banana cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with toppings and dietary tweaks, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and taste the homemade goodness!