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This Ultimate Banana Cake Recipe is the perfect way to use ripe bananas for a decadent dessert. With a moist, spiced banana cake filled with walnuts and topped with creamy buttercream frosting, it's ideal for special occasions or simply treating yourself. This made-from-scratch recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This banana cake is everything you want in a dessert: moist, flavorful, and easy to make. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg gives it a warm, spiced depth, while the buttercream frosting adds a touch of indulgence. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this foolproof recipe guarantees impressive results every time. Plus, it's versatile—easily adaptable into muffins or a sheet cake for larger gatherings.
Ingredients for Banana Cake
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates a tender crumb for the cake.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Ensure a good rise for a fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Add warmth and spice to the banana flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly.
- Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: A secret ingredient for extra softness and moisture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together for a perfect bake.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake and frosting.
- Overripe Bananas: The star ingredient, mashed for maximum flavor.
- Butter, Powdered Sugar, and Heavy Cream: Used for the rich buttercream frosting.
- Chopped Walnuts: Optional garnish for a delightful crunch.
How to Make the Cake
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch cake pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, use a mixer to blend sugar, oil, and applesauce. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, mixing just until combined.
- Combine and Bake
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Making the Buttercream Frosting
- Prepare the Butter
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. For a brown butter variation, continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Cool to room temperature.
- Mix the Frosting
- Using a mixer, whip the cooled melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
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Frosting and Garnishing
Spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor. Slice into even squares and serve. This cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it a great centerpiece for any gathering.
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To make ahead, bake and cool the cake, then wrap tightly and refrigerate. Frost the cake just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How ripe should the bananas be?
The best bananas for this cake are very ripe, with brown spots on the peel. These bananas are sweeter and mash easily, giving the cake more moisture and banana flavor.
- → Can I skip the applesauce?
The applesauce helps keep the cake moist while reducing the amount of oil needed. You can replace it with an equal amount of oil, but the texture might be slightly different.
- → How do I store this cake?
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If storing longer, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
- → Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it unfrosted. Add the frosting just before serving for the best taste and texture.
- → Why mix dry and wet ingredients separately?
Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices. Adding them gradually to wet ingredients prevents overmixing, which can make the cake tough.