Banana cake is one of the easiest and most satisfying desserts you can bake. Made with ripe bananas, it’s naturally sweet, tender, and full of flavor. Whether you serve it plain, frosted, or as a bundt cake, banana cake is a reliable favorite that never goes out of style.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make a moist banana cake with just the right balance of sweetness and softness.
Why Banana Cake Is So Popular
Banana cake is comfort food. It’s a way to use up overripe bananas while creating something delicious. The natural sugars in bananas keep the cake moist, while their flavor adds depth that pairs beautifully with spices, chocolate, or nuts.
Ingredients for Moist Banana Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar
Beat butter, oil, and sugar until creamy and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Bananas
Mix in eggs, then fold in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry Mix and Sour Cream
Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour batter into pan(s). Bake 35–40 minutes (9×13 pan) or 25–30 minutes (round pans). A toothpick should come out clean.
Optional Frostings
- Cream Cheese Frosting – for tangy sweetness.
- Chocolate Ganache – for a richer dessert.
- Caramel Glaze – adds buttery sweetness.
- Whipped Cream – light and simple.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Cake
- Use very ripe bananas: Black spots on the peel mean more sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing makes the cake dense.
- Add-ins: Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make great additions.
- Sour cream or yogurt: Keeps the cake soft and moist.
Variations to Try
- Banana Bundt Cake – Bake in a bundt pan and drizzle with glaze.
- Banana Cupcakes – Perfect for individual portions.
- Gluten-Free Banana Cake – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Banana Chocolate Chip Cake – A kid-friendly favorite.
Why This Cake Always Works
Banana cake is versatile, simple to prepare, and always delivers moist, flavorful results. It’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, picnics, or even as an afternoon snack.
Final Thoughts
Banana cake proves that ripe bananas don’t need to go to waste — they can become something delightful. With its moist crumb, rich banana flavor, and endless variations, banana cake is a dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.