Description
Enjoy a deliciously moist banana cake made with ripe bananas and a touch of vanilla. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized with nuts or other mix-ins. Perfect for sharing at gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, and optionally line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the mashed bananas to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired.
- Slice the banana cake and serve as is, or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or a swirl of peanut butter for different flavor profiles.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or cozy get-togethers!
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven; check for doneness a few minutes early.
- Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins to customize your cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes