The best part of my Babushka’s banana cake recipe for ME, is it takes me right down memory lane. As soon as I smell it baking, I can see myself at her kitchen table. My favorite way to bake is using recipes that have been passed down through generations, because they’re tried and true.
The best part for YOU, is that the recipe is simple, which is great for a beginner baker. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required. Just mash up those ripe bananas that have been sitting on the counter for a little too long, add in a few baking staples, and you’re good to go. The batter comes together in minutes. The hard part is waiting for it to finish baking, while the smell entices you to take it out early so you can dig in.
This cake is so moist and flavorful you don’t even need frosting. The sweetness of the bananas shine through. However, I won’t stop you if you want to add some homemade whipped cream. I learned how to make this easy recipe from a long time friend. It only takes 3 ingredients and about 5 minutes from start to finish.
Homemade Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 -3 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl. Using your electric mixer, starting whipping the cream on low speed (to prevent splattering) for about a minute. Gradually increase the speed to medium-high as the cream begins to thicken. Continue whipping until soft peaks form.
Tips for Baking
Embrace the brown spots: The uglier the banana, the sweeter the cake!
Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid tough texture.
Use a metal pan: Metal pans help distribute heat evenly and efficiently preventing undercooked spots. I used a glass dish the first time I made this and the middle of the cake wouldn’t rise or cook all the way through.
Whether enjoyed at breakfast with a warm beverage, as an afternoon pick me up, or a sweet dish after dinner, banana cake is more than just a dessert, it’s a testament to the versatility of the humble banana.
Happy Baking!
Babushka's Banana Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups cane sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Prep an 8x8 metal pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
- In a large bowl, mix together all wet ingredients.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and set on a wire rack until completely cool.
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4 comments
I have tasted a lot of banana cakes, and I have to say this cake is the only one that should be called, “Banana cake”. It is the best and tastes just as described. It’s the only banana cake I actually enjoy and have to make myself stop eating. Try it, you’ll never go back. Also, 5 stars isn’t enough.
Another super moist dessert! You’re right, it doesn’t need frosting… but I tried the homemade whipped cream. What a combo!! ๐๐
This is, hands down, the best banana bread I’ve ever had!
Thanks, Rachel!
And, thanks, Babushka!
This banana cake is so good Rachel ! We really enjoyed it with our morning coffee. Weโre going to try the whipped topping on it later. Thanks so much ๐