This moist banana cake recipe is a foolproof way to turn ripe bananas into a delicious dessert. The combination of sour cream and bananas ensures a moist, tender crumb and a flavor that's satisfyingly sweet. It's a simple recipe that yields a lovely cake perfect for any occasion.
The key ingredient that you might not have on hand is sour cream. Sour cream is used in baking to add richness and to tenderize the dough by breaking down the gluten in the flour. If you don't have sour cream at home, you can substitute with plain yogurt.
Ingredients for Moist Banana Cake
White sugar: This adds sweetness to the cake. You can adjust the quantity based on your taste.
Butter: Butter provides richness and moisture to the cake.
Eggs: Eggs are used as a binding agent and help in leavening the cake.
Baking soda: This is a leavening agent. It helps the cake rise.
Sour cream: This ingredient makes the cake moist and tender.
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for more sweetness and stronger banana flavor.
Cake flour: Cake flour has less protein, resulting in a cake with a fine, soft crumb.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
One reader, Colly Phan says:
This moist banana cake recipe is a game-changer! The cake turned out incredibly moist and flavorful. The combination of bananas and sour cream created a rich and delightful texture. It was a hit with my family, and I can't wait to make it again. Highly recommended!
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Moist Banana Cake
How to prepare the pan: Grease and flour a 9x9-inch pan to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
How to cream butter and sugar: Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
How to dissolve baking soda in sour cream: Stir the baking soda into the sour cream until it is completely dissolved, ensuring an even leavening throughout the batter.
How to mash bananas: Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth, with no large chunks remaining.
How to test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If there is batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes before testing again.
How To Make Moist Banana Cake
With hints of vanilla and sour cream, enjoy moist and soft banana cake made from simple ingredients for a decadent classic baked treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1¼cupswhite sugar
- ½cupbutter
- 2eggs,beaten
- 1tspbaking soda
- ¼cupsour cream
- 1cupbananas,mashed
- 1½cupscake flour
- 1tspvanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch pan.
-
In a large bowl, cream butter, and sugar until light. Add eggs and beat well. Dissolve soda in the sour cream and add it to the butter mixture. Beat well. Add the mashed bananas and mix them in. Add cake flour and mix well. Stir in vanilla extract.
-
Pour batter into a pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until done.
-
Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 247.63kcal
- Fat: 9.51g
- Saturated Fat: 5.68g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.51g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.54g
- Carbohydrates: 38.71g
- Fiber: 0.78g
- Sugar: 23.35g
- Protein: 2.69g
- Cholesterol: 49.49mg
- Sodium: 119.12mg
- Calcium: 15.14mg
- Potassium: 104.96mg
- Iron: 1.45mg
- Vitamin A: 85.16µg
- Vitamin C: 1.67mg
Expert Tip for Achieving the Ideal Texture in Moist Banana Cake
When mashing the bananas, ensure they are ripe for the best flavor and texture. Overripe bananas are even better as they are sweeter and easier to mash. You can also use a blender or food processor to get a smoother consistency if you prefer. Additionally, when mixing the batter, avoid overmixing as it can result in a denser cake. Just mix until the ingredients are combined for a lighter, more moist cake.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Moist Banana Cake
Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-bowl method: Look for recipes that utilize one bowl for mixing to minimize cleanup time.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and blenders to speed up the prep work.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes later on.
Organize your workspace: Keep your cooking area tidy and organized to avoid wasting time searching for ingredients and tools.
Substitute Ingredients For Moist Banana Cake Recipe
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can add a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cake and is a great alternative to refined white sugar.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle tropical flavor and moisture to the cake, and it's a great dairy-free alternative to butter.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can help bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake, making it a suitable egg substitute in baking.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda in this recipe, but it's important to adjust the quantity as baking powder is not as strong as baking soda.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar tangy flavor and moisture to the cake, making it a suitable substitute for sour cream.
bananas - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can add moisture and natural sweetness to the cake, similar to bananas, and can be a great substitute in banana cake recipes.
cake flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cake flour, but the texture of the cake may be slightly different.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich, sweet flavor to the cake, similar to vanilla extract, and can be used as a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer.
Presenting Your Moist Banana Cake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the moist banana cake, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use delicate edible flowers or gold leaf to add a touch of sophistication to the plate.
Incorporate texture: Add a contrasting element to the plate to enhance the overall dining experience. Consider serving the cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped mascarpone for a delightful textural contrast.
Play with color: Introduce vibrant hues to the plate to make the dessert visually striking. Accompany the cake with a drizzle of rich caramel sauce or a side of fresh mixed berries to create a visually stunning and appetizing presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism and allow the cake to be the focal point of the plate. Use negative space strategically to draw attention to the moist banana cake, creating a visually captivating and sophisticated presentation.
Incorporate artistic elements: Consider using a delicate chocolate garnish or a dusting of powdered sugar to add an artistic flair to the presentation, showcasing attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Essential Tools for Making a Moist Banana Cake
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the batter for the banana cake.
9x9-inch pan: A 9x9-inch pan is used for baking the banana cake.
Oven: The oven is used for baking the banana cake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer can be used to cream the butter and sugar, as well as beat the eggs for the cake batter.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and smoothing the batter into the baking pan.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients such as sugar, butter, and flour.
Whisk: A whisk can be used to ensure the dry ingredients are well combined and to incorporate the vanilla extract into the batter.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack is useful for allowing the banana cake to cool evenly after baking.
Storing and Freezing Your Moist Banana Cake
- Let the banana cake cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing.
- To store the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring no air can get in. you can also place the wrapped cake in an airtight container for extra protection. store the cake at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to keep the cake fresh for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator. wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. the cake will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the banana cake. wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and finally place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. label the container with the date and contents. the cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. once thawed, remove the wrapping and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
- If you want to freeze individual slices, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. this way, you can easily take out and thaw individual servings as needed.
- Tip: if you find the cake slightly dry after freezing and thawing, you can brush it with a simple syrup made of equal parts water and sugar to add moisture back into the cake.
How To Reheat Leftover Moist Banana Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover banana cake in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat the cake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method will help to retain the cake's moisture and restore its freshness.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place a single slice of banana cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for about 20-30 seconds. If the cake isn't warm enough, heat it in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it may become rubbery or dry.
For a crispy exterior and a moist interior, try reheating your leftover banana cake in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of cake in the skillet and heat it for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your leftover banana cake. Place a slice of cake on a toaster oven tray and heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method will give you a slightly crispy exterior while maintaining the cake's moisture.
For a steamed reheating method, place a slice of banana cake in a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Cover the steamer and let the cake heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's warmed through. This gentle reheating method will help to preserve the cake's soft texture and moisture.
Interesting Trivia About Moist Banana Cake
The moist banana cake recipe is a great way to use up overripe bananas. Bananas are a good source of potassium, which is essential for maintaining proper heart function and regulating blood pressure. Additionally, bananas contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full for longer periods. This recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the benefits of bananas.
Is Making Moist Banana Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
This moist banana cake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a delicious and moist cake that can serve as a delightful dessert or snack. The cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $10, making it an affordable treat. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its simplicity, use of basic ingredients, and the delightful end result.
Is Moist Banana Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This banana cake recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of white sugar (1¼ cups), which is a refined carbohydrate that can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Butter is used as the primary fat source, which is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
- The recipe calls for cake flour, which is a refined flour that has been stripped of many of its nutrients during processing.
- The recipe does not include any whole grains, fruits (other than bananas), or vegetables, which are important sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this banana cake recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of white sugar by replacing some of it with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates. You can also experiment with using ripe bananas as a natural sweetener, as they become sweeter as they ripen.
- Replace some or all of the butter with healthier fat sources like Greek yogurt, avocado, or nut butters. These alternatives can add moisture and richness to the cake while reducing the amount of saturated fat.
- Swap out some or all of the cake flour for whole wheat flour, almond flour, or oat flour. These flours are higher in fiber and nutrients than refined cake flour.
- Add in some additional fruits, vegetables, or nuts to boost the nutritional value of the cake. For example, you could add grated zucchini, carrots, or chopped walnuts to the batter.
- Consider reducing the overall portion size of the cake and serving it with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of frosting or whipped cream.
Editor's Opinion on This Moist Banana Cake Recipe
This moist banana cake recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of home baking. The combination of ripe bananas, buttery richness, and a hint of sour cream creates a lusciously moist texture, while the subtle sweetness and aromatic vanilla essence elevate the flavor profile. The simplicity of the recipe allows for easy preparation, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The end result is a delectable cake that is perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed as a comforting snack or as a delightful dessert.
Enhance Your Moist Banana Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Moist Banana Cake
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Moist Banana Cake
Why trust this Moist Banana Cake Recipe:
This recipe uses ripe bananas to ensure maximum flavor and sweetness. The addition of sour cream keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang. The use of cake flour results in a lighter texture, perfect for a banana cake. The combination of butter and vanilla extract enhances the richness and aroma. With these high-quality ingredients, this recipe promises a delicious and satisfying dessert experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Banana Pudding Cake Recipe
Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe
Banana Pudding Poke Cake Recipe
Secret Place Recipe
Milk of Amnesia Recipe
Crackers Crusted Chicken Recipe
Caribbean Martini Recipe
Beam Me Up Scotty (Coffee Cocktail) Recipe
Simple Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Chinese Fried Noodles Recipe
Maple-Pumpkin Pie with Walnut Crumble Recipe
