Moist, tender, and packed with real banana flavor, Banana Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from your childhood kitchen. With its golden crumb and just the right balance of sweetness and spice, this classic treat is as delightful for a weeknight treat as it is for a gathering with friends. Whether you serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or generously swirled with cream cheese frosting, Banana Cake has a way of making any moment special—and it’s so easy to make, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Cake is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something essential, whether it’s richness, moisture, or irresistible flavor. Gather these pantry staples together and you’ll be rewarded with a cake that boasts a tender crumb, subtle depth, and that unmistakable aroma wafting through the kitchen.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for your cake, providing the structure needed for a perfect slice every time.
Baking soda: Ensures your cake rises beautifully, making the crumb light and fluffy.
Salt: A pinch is all you need to highlight all that sweet, banana goodness.
Cinnamon (optional): A touch brings delightful warmth that pairs so well with banana.
Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming, butter delivers a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and a soft crumb.
Brown sugar: Deepens the flavor profile with a gentle hint of molasses.
Large eggs: These create lift and richness, binding everything together.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings lovely aroma and enhances every other flavor.
Mashed ripe bananas: The heart of Banana Cake—use bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and makes the cake extra tender and moist.
Milk: Helps loosen the batter to just the right consistency for an even bake.

How to Make Banana Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Let’s start off strong! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan, lightly grease it, and set it aside. This ensures your cake releases easily and bakes evenly, setting the stage for Banana Cake success.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and if you like a little spice, cinnamon. Combining these now evenly distributes the leavening and seasoning for a delicate, well-balanced crumb later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Keep going until everything is light and fluffy—that’s your ticket to a moist, airy Banana Cake. Take your time, as this step really matters.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so the batter stays silky and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, and inhale that lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen—so good!

Step 5: Mix in Bananas and Sour Cream

Now it’s time for the stars: mash up 2–3 very ripe bananas and blend them into your batter along with the sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt). This duo makes your Banana Cake deliciously soft and full of flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

To keep the cake tender, alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing—this keeps your cake light, not dense.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Spread that luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let your Banana Cake cool completely before you add any finishing touches like frosting or powdered sugar.

How to Serve Banana Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar lets the classic banana flavor shine. But if you’re feeling fancy, a thick layer of cream cheese frosting is magical—rich, tangy, and so luxurious. For crunch or flair, sprinkle on chopped walnuts or even mini chocolate chips just before serving.

Side Dishes

Slice fresh strawberries or toss together a little fruit salad for a pop of color and freshness beside your Banana Cake. For a holiday or brunch spread, pair it up with good coffee, hot tea, and maybe even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Banana Cake into tiny squares for bite-sized party treats, or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes that will charm kids and adults alike. For a crowd-pleaser, stack cake squares with layers of whipped cream and banana slices for individual trifles—so cute and entirely irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Banana Cake stays moist for days! Simply cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Storing it this way keeps every bite soft and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later (or made a double batch—highly recommended!), Banana Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or whole pieces in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Enjoy Banana Cake warm by popping a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back that bakery-fresh texture and makes it perfect for pairing with a scoop of ice cream or your morning coffee.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Cake without sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt works just as well, adding tang and moisture to the cake. If you’re in a pinch, plain yogurt or even buttermilk will give you a lovely result.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better. Look for bananas that are deeply speckled or even mostly brown—this means they’re sweet, soft, and bursting with flavor, perfect for Banana Cake.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Go for it! A half-cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips folded into the batter just before baking adds extra texture and indulgence. Mini chocolate chips are especially fun for little bites of chocolate in every forkful.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat to give your Banana Cake a heartier texture and a subtle, nutty flavor. The cake will be a bit denser, but still delicious.

Does Banana Cake need to be refrigerated?

If you’ve frosted it with cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store your Banana Cake in the fridge after the first day. If it’s unfrosted, it stays fresh at room temperature, tightly covered.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sharing a homemade Banana Cake, whether it’s for family, friends, or your own sweet tooth. Don’t wait for your bananas to get too brown—give this recipe a try and let your kitchen fill with that dreamy, cozy aroma. You’ll be hooked after the first bite!