Ultimate Banana Cake

Name: Ultimate Banana Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as vegetable or avocado oil); 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large ripe bananas (mashed); 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon heavy cream; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

By:

Sarah

Published:

October 30, 2025

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There’s something magical about a warm slice of cake, especially when that cake is filled with the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas. This Ultimate Banana Cake Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles and satisfied bellies. Just imagine cutting into a moist, fluffy slice topped with luscious buttercream frosting—it’s hard to resist! The collaboration of simple ingredients transforms into a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or just because you have some ripe bananas on your counter, this recipe meets all criteria for deliciousness. Are you ready to dive into this delicious journey? Let’s bake together and discover why this cake is worth every banana!

Why This Recipe Works

This Ultimate Banana Cake Recipe stands out thanks to its perfect blend of ripe bananas and wholesome ingredients. The natural sweetness of the bananas makes the cake moist and flavorful. When you mix everything together, it creates a fluffy texture that dances on your taste buds. The method is simple, ensuring that even novice bakers can conquer this cake with confidence. Each bite is a celebration of flavor and warmth, making it a beloved choice among family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Banana Cake Recipe

Indulging in this cake is pure joy. It’s rich and sweet, topped with a creamy buttercream frosting that just calls for seconds. The addition of walnuts gives this treat a wonderful crunch that beautifully balances the soft cake. It’s perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply when you crave something comforting. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Once you’ve sliced into this delectable banana cake, you might find it hard to stop at just one piece!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup neutral oil (such as vegetable or avocado oil)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large ripe bananas (mashed)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large bowl. In this bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and other dry ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir these together until they’re well mixed, then set this mixture aside. It’s like the calm before the baking storm!

Combining the Wet Ingredients

Now, let’s roll into the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, use your hand mixer or stand mixer to blend 1 cup of granulated sugar along with 1/4 cup of neutral oil and 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Next, add in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and the 2 ripe, mashed bananas. Keep mixing until just combined—no over-mixing here will ensure your cake remains fluffy and tender!

Bringing It All Together

Now comes the fun part! Gradually start incorporating the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently, just until everything is evenly combined. Don’t overdo it; you want to mix just enough to bring it all together without sacrificing that soft texture.

Baking the Cake

It’s time to bake! Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch square baking dish. Be sure to spread it out evenly in the pan. Place this beauty into a preheated oven at 325°F and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s ready, let the cake cool completely—this patience is worth it!

Preparing the Buttercream Frosting

As your cake cools, let’s prepare the buttercream frosting. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. After it melts, remove it from the heat and transfer to another container to cool down to room temperature. While that cools, grab a bowl and whip together the cooled butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy, making it the dreamy topping for your cake!

Frosting the Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, it’s time to frost! Spread the buttercream frosting evenly across the top, allowing it to reach every corner. If you want a little extra crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts on top. Now, slice it into squares, and your delicious creation is ready to be served!

Serving Suggestions

For an added touch, pair each slice of this Ultimate Banana Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This little enhancement takes an already fabulous treat into a realm of pure bliss!

Tips for Success

Use overripe bananas—they’re sweeter and add more flavor to your cake.
Don’t rush the cooling process. Make sure your cake is completely cool before adding the frosting, helping keep everything nice and intact.

Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Consider substituting chopped pecans for walnuts to earn a different nutty flair. Or add chocolate chips into the batter for a scrumptious chocolate-banana twist that will send your taste buds soaring!

Storage Tips

If there are any leftovers (though they might disappear quickly), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A1: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour; however, it may yield a denser texture. A mix of both flours works well for a lighter cake.

Q2: How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
A2: Insert a toothpick into the cake’s center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs on it.

Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and keep it wrapped until you’re ready to frost and serve.

Q4: Is the cake suitable for freezing?
A4: Definitely! Wrap your cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it before frosting.

Q5: Can I replace the sugar with another sweetener?
A5: You might try using honey or maple syrup, but remember that adjustments in liquid ingredients may be needed to maintain the cake’s texture.

This Ultimate Banana Cake Recipe is more than a treat; it’s a slice of nostalgia that brings back happy memories of family gatherings. It strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and comforting flavors. Whether you whip it up for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is bound to bring joy to every slice. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family—or just relish in each bite yourself. Either way, it’s a win!