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If you have a love for comforting, indulgent desserts that combine classic flavors in a delightful way, this Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine a moist, tender cake bursting with ripe banana sweetness alongside the rich, creamy depth of peanut butter in every bite. Topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting and finished with fresh slices of banana and crunchy peanuts, this cake is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that feels both cozy and special. It’s truly one of those recipes that bring smiles and warm memories to the table with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe lies in its perfectly balanced, simple ingredients. Each element plays an essential role in creating that signature moist texture, delightful peanut flavor, and naturally sweet banana undertone that make this cake unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and softness.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, adding lightness.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to tenderize and leaven the cake.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, crucial for a tender crumb.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Infuses the cake with that unmistakable nutty, creamy flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while ensuring a light texture.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds a hint of caramel depth and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 4 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups): Provide natural sweetness and moistness that make this cake so tender.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and keeps the cake soft.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): The creamy base for the luscious frosting.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting): Intensifies the peanut flavor in the frosting.
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk): Adjusts the frosting to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds depth and enhances sweetness.
- Sliced bananas (for garnish): Fresh fruit topping that boosts flavor and aesthetics.
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish): Adds delightful crunch and extra peanut goodness.
- Drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter (optional): Adds a stunning decorative and flavor flourish.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—this dry mix ensures your cake rises perfectly and has just the right crumb.
Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Fats
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key for trapping air, leading to a tender and airy cake.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Flavor
Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully blend in, and then add the vanilla extract. This layering of ingredients builds a rich, flavorful base with a smooth texture that’s essential to the Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Add the Bananas
Fold in the mashed bananas until fully combined. The bananas not only offer natural sweetness but also keep the cake moist and dense in just the right way—trust me, you’ll love how they elevate this cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients alternated with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix just until everything is combined to avoid a tough cake. This gentle mixing ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Cool Before Frosting
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan—this patience pays off by setting the perfect stage for the rich frosting without it melting away.
Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more cream if needed to make it perfectly spreadable.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Finish by garnishing with sliced bananas, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter for that wow factor.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced bananas bring a juicy, vibrant contrast to the creamy frosting, while crushed peanuts add an irresistible crunch that plays wonderfully with the cake’s soft crumb. A gentle drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter creates a glossy, professional finish that makes every slice feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates it to an even more decadent dessert experience. For a refreshing balance, serve alongside a cup of black coffee or a chilled glass of milk—the perfect complements that highlight the cake’s richness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dessert table, cut the cake into small squares and serve on individual mini plates topped with a banana slice and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. Or, turn slices into dessert sandwiches by spreading extra frosting between two pieces for a fun twist. The Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe lends itself wonderfully to creative plating and presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe keeps wonderfully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying several times or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake without frosting, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then frost fresh for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The frosting softens delightfully, and the cake’s flavors become even more pronounced and comforting with just a little warmth.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture and flavor bits throughout the cake and frosting, making each bite a bit more exciting.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results, but make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots work best—they’re sweeter and mash more easily, imparting maximum flavor and moisture to this Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. For the frosting, use dairy-free butter and a milk alternative as well.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe, it’s unlikely you’ll want to go back to ordinary banana bread or peanut butter desserts. The combination of creamy peanut butter, naturally sweet bananas, and that dreamy frosting creates a cake that feels both nostalgic and exciting. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over, sharing with loved ones or simply savoring on your own with a big smile. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight in every luscious bite!
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Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Banana Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert combining the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting and garnished with fresh banana slices and crushed peanuts, this cake is perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to delight peanut butter and banana lovers alike.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup buttermilk
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish
- Sliced bananas
- Crushed peanuts
- Drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Incorporate Bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until fully incorporated into the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before applying frosting.
- Make the Peanut Butter Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture.
- Finish Frosting: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then continue beating the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if necessary.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife.
- Garnish: Decorate the top with sliced bananas, crushed peanuts, and an optional drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture in the cake.
- Do not overmix the batter once adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus a tablespoon of vinegar if needed.
- If frosting is too thick, add more cream or milk a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
