Easy Banana Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to use ripe bananas, this Easy Banana Cake recipe is perfect! It’s soft, moist, and packed with banana flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just for a sweet snack, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make this cake in no time!

Ingredients:

For the Banana Cake:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk works best)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional but highly recommended):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with the dry ingredients and finish with the wet, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fluffy and smooth. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar if you want a thicker frosting.
3. Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, or pipe it for a more decorative look.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and serve your delicious banana cake. It’s perfect on its own or with a cup of coffee or tea.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Tips:

• Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots will give the cake the best flavor.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add some extras like chocolate chips, chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), or cinnamon for added flavor and texture.
• Make it Healthier: You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier option.
• Freezing: This banana cake freezes well! You can freeze it without frosting for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Cake:

• Simple and Quick: This recipe requires basic ingredients and minimal effort, making it an ideal dessert for beginners or anyone in a rush.
• Moist and Flavorful: The mashed bananas keep the cake incredibly moist, while the flavor is perfectly balanced.
• Versatile: You can serve this cake as-is, with frosting, or even as a snack. It’s great for birthdays, potlucks, or a weekend treat.

This Easy Banana Cake is a must-try for banana lovers. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that yields a moist, flavorful cake that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try next time you have some ripe bananas on hand!