Rich & Moist Banana Cake Recipe – Ready in 1 Hour

If there’s one dessert that never goes out of style in my kitchen, it’s a warm slice of banana cake. It reminds me of slow Sundays, coffee-scented mornings, and the joy of using up overripe bananas in the most delicious way possible. This banana cake recipe is rich, incredibly moist, and layered with flavor — the kind of cake that disappears before it cools.

???? Love sweet bakes like this?

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake Recipe

This isn’t just another banana bread knock-off. This banana cake is a soft, tender sheet cake with fluffy layers, real banana flavor, and a buttery crumb. It pairs perfectly with cream cheese frosting, powdered sugar, or even plain — it’s that good.

Taste & Texture: Moist, banana-rich, and buttery
Smell: Like freshly baked heaven — banana, vanilla, and warmth
Versatile: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to make it your own

Ingredients List

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• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 ripe bananas (mashed)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg

Necessary Tools for Preparation

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or sturdy whisk)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick or cake tester

Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour your 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Add bananas. Mix in mashed bananas until incorporated.
6. Alternate flour and milk. Add flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.
7. Pour and smooth. Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool & serve. Let cool before slicing. Serve plain or top with frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for Perfecting the Banana Cake Recipe

• Use super ripe bananas — brown-spotted for best sweetness and flavor
• Don’t overmix after adding flour — this keeps the crumb tender
• Room temperature ingredients help the batter blend evenly
• Sprinkle chopped nuts or sugar on top before baking for texture

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What to Serve With It

• A cup of chai or hot coffee
• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Slathered with peanut butter or a thin glaze

Try it with these recipes from Poulef:

• Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
• Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting
• Warm Cinnamon Apple Compote

Storage Instructions

• Room temp: Store covered for up to 3 days
• Fridge: Lasts up to a week; bring to room temp before eating
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months

General Information

Banana cake is a go-to for potlucks, birthdays, brunches, and weekday desserts. It’s crowd-pleasing, egg-based, and adaptable for gluten-free flour blends or dairy-free milk with great results.

FAQ

Can I make this banana cake vegan?
Yes! Replace butter with vegan margarine, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond or oat milk.

Can I make cupcakes instead?
Absolutely. Just adjust the baking time to 18–22 minutes for standard cupcake tins.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes — just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Conclusion

This banana cake recipe is soft, luscious, and so simple to whip up. Whether it’s your first cake or your fiftieth, this one’s going to impress. Bake it once, and you’ll keep coming back. Don’t forget to share your creation on Pinterest and tag us!

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