This banana bread cake is super moist and delicious! Made with ripe bananas, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of day. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up!
Baking this cake fills your kitchen with a lovely smell that makes everyone smile. I love having a slice with my coffee—it’s like a warm hug in cake form! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Overripe bananas work best! They add natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can microwave them for 30 seconds to speed up the ripening process.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect, but brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor. I usually mix both for added sweetness and moisture!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives great flavor, but you can substitute with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, just add a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes—it’s an easy substitute!
How Do I Make Sure My Banana Bread Cake is Moist?
To keep your banana bread cake moist, focus on a few key points during preparation:
- Use overripe bananas, as mentioned! The more speckles, the better.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir until just combined; this keeps the cake fluffy.
- Using buttermilk is great for moisture, so don’t skip it!
- Check your cake at the lower end of the baking time, and remove it as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Moist Easy Banana Bread Cake
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread cake takes about 15 minutes to prep and 50-60 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool a bit before slicing, and your total time will be about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab an 8-inch square or round cake pan and grease it well, then dust it with flour to make sure your cake comes out easily.
2. Mix the Bananas and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Stir them together until it’s smooth and well mixed.
3. Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla:
Next, stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana-butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the cake.
5. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy!
6. Optional Add-ins:
If you fancy, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips at this stage for an extra flavor boost.
7. Bake the Cake:
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up, enjoy, and bask in the deliciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw the frozen bananas in the fridge overnight or at room temperature until softened. They might be a bit mushy, but that’s perfect for adding moisture to your cake!
How Can I Make This Banana Bread Cake Healthier?
You can reduce the sugar by half and substitute applesauce for half of the butter. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds fiber and nutrients.
Can I Store Leftover Banana Bread Cake?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Variations Can I Try with This Recipe?
Feel free to get creative! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, swap in different add-ins like dried fruit or nuts, or even swirl in some peanut butter or Nutella for extra flavor. Enjoy experimenting!
