If you love the comforting taste of banana bread and the indulgence of cake, then this Banana Bread Cake recipe is going to be your new favorite dessert. Perfectly moist, lightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make, it’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy dessert after dinner. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this cake transforms overripe bananas into a masterpiece.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make the perfect Banana Bread Cake — from the ingredients and tools you’ll need, to the step-by-step process, helpful baking tips, nutritional values, and serving suggestions.
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cake
Banana Bread Cake combines the best of two worlds: the rich, moist texture of banana bread and the fluffy, soft crumb of a classic cake. Here are a few reasons why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen:
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Uses simple pantry ingredients – no fancy tools or expensive ingredients required.
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Perfect for ripe bananas – a delicious way to avoid waste.
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Versatile – serve it plain, frost it with cream cheese icing, or pair it with coffee.
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Family-friendly – kids and adults alike can’t resist it.
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Stays moist for days – thanks to the bananas, it holds up beautifully.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cake
Here’s the complete list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare a soft and flavorful Banana Bread Cake.
Dry Ingredients:
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)
Wet Ingredients:
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3 large ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 ½ cups)
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¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (100g) light brown sugar (for extra depth of flavor)
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½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer taste)
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2 large eggs (room temperature)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or plain yogurt as substitute)
Optional Add-ins:
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)
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½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for a sweeter touch)
For Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To prepare this Banana Bread Cake, you don’t need a complicated setup. Here’s a list of handy kitchen tools:
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Large mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Whisk or electric mixer
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Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
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9×13-inch baking pan (or two 8-inch round pans if you prefer a layered cake)
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Cooling rack
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Optional: Hand mixer for making frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Bread Cake
Follow these steps carefully for the perfect Banana Bread Cake every time:
1: Prepare Your Bananas
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Start with ripe bananas — the more spotted and overripe, the better.
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Peel and mash them in a bowl until mostly smooth with a few small chunks.
2: Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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Set aside.
3: Combine Wet Ingredients
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In a large mixing bowl, beat together mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil.
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Add in eggs one at a time, whisking until fully incorporated.
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Stir in vanilla extract.
4: Add Buttermilk
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Pour the buttermilk into the wet mixture and stir gently. This step helps create an extra moist and tender crumb.
5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
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Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
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Use a spatula to gently combine — do not overmix. A few lumps are fine.
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If using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
6: Bake the Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
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Pour the batter evenly into the pan.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7: Cool the Cake
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Let it cool completely if you plan to frost it.
8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
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In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
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Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
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Mix in vanilla extract.
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Spread frosting over cooled cake.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread Cake
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Use ripe bananas – Overripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and easier to mash, giving your cake natural flavor and moisture.
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Don’t overmix – Stirring too much can make the cake dense. Mix just until everything is combined.
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Add-ins wisely – Nuts add crunch, while chocolate chips add sweetness. Mix-ins should not exceed 1 cup total.
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Room temperature ingredients – Eggs and buttermilk blend better at room temperature.
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Storage tips – Store at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
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Frosting alternatives – Skip the cream cheese frosting for a lighter version, or dust with powdered sugar for elegance.
Serving Suggestions
Banana Bread Cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
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With frosting – A thick layer of cream cheese frosting makes it decadent and dessert-worthy.
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Plain with coffee or tea – Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
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With a scoop of ice cream – Vanilla or caramel ice cream complements the flavors beautifully.
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As a layered cake – Double the recipe and frost between layers for a celebration cake.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice without frosting)
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Calories: 280
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Carbohydrates: 42g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 11g
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Saturated Fat: 2g
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Cholesterol: 35mg
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Sodium: 220mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 22g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredients and serving sizes.
Why Banana Bread Cake is Perfect for Every Occasion
From casual family gatherings to holiday celebrations, Banana Bread Cake fits right in. Its mild sweetness and fluffy texture appeal to all ages, and it pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or even festive drinks. Unlike traditional frosted cakes, it’s simple enough for everyday baking yet elegant enough for special occasions.
Variations
If you want to experiment, try these fun twists:
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Chocolate Banana Bread Cake – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the flour for a chocolatey version.
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Banana Nut Cake – Double the nuts for a crunchier bite.
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Banana Coconut Cake – Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut for tropical flavor.
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Gluten-Free Banana Bread Cake – Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
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Vegan Banana Bread Cake – Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs, and use dairy-free yogurt or plant-based milk instead of buttermilk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make Banana Bread Cake ahead of time?
Yes! It stays moist for several days and can even be frozen. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
Q2: Do I have to frost Banana Bread Cake?
Not at all. It’s delicious plain, but frosting elevates it for special occasions.
Q3: Why is my Banana Bread Cake dense?
Most likely due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Always measure flour properly and mix gently.
Q4: Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Q5: Can I bake this recipe as muffins instead?
Absolutely! Divide batter into muffin tins and bake for about 18–20 minutes.
Conclusion: Time to Bake Your Perfect
There you have it — the ultimate guide to making a soft, moist, and flavorful Banana Bread Cake. From the simplicity of its ingredients to the endless variations and serving options, this recipe is a true kitchen gem. Whether you frost it for a party or keep it plain for a cozy snack, this cake will win hearts every time.
So, grab those ripe bananas sitting on your counter and transform them into a delicious cake that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Once you try this recipe,
