This moist banana bread cake is super easy to whip up! Made with ripe bananas, it has a lovely sweetness and a soft texture that melts in your mouth.
Trust me, it’s hard to resist a slice (or two). I love having this cake with my morning coffee; it’s like a hug in a treat! 🍌☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Look for ones with plenty of brown spots. If you don’t have enough ripe bananas, you can substitute with store-bought banana puree or unsweetened applesauce for a similar texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the salt level in your cake. If you need a dairy-free option, feel free to use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works best here, but if you’re looking to cut back on refined sugar, you can try using coconut sugar or honey (reduce the quantity slightly as honey is sweeter).
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture. Greek yogurt can be a healthier option, but plain yogurt or even buttermilk will also work well. You can use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version.
Nuts/Chocolate Chips: If you’re allergic to nuts or just not a fan, you can skip them entirely. For a surprise twist, consider adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread Cake is Moist?
The key to a moist banana bread cake lies in using ripe bananas and adding sour cream or yogurt. Here are some steps to help you achieve that perfect texture:
- Be sure to mash the ripe bananas well—they should be almost liquid for the best integration.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid making the cake tough.
- The addition of sour cream or yogurt is crucial; it keeps the bread soft and adds a touch of tanginess.
- Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Following these tips will help you serve up a deliciously moist banana bread cake every time!
Moist and Easy Banana Bread Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for extra moisture)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 60-70 minutes for baking. Total time for making this delicious banana bread cake is about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, including cooling time. It’s a perfect treat for any time of day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them until smooth using a fork or a potato masher. The riper the bananas, the better your cake will taste!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Next, stir in the melted butter to the mashed bananas. Make sure the butter is cooled so it doesn’t cook the egg. After that, add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and mix everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will help ensure that your baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Be gentle—mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your banana bread tough.
6. Add Sour Cream/Yogurt:
Now it’s time to add the sour cream or yogurt. This is key to keeping your banana bread moist. If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this step as well.
7. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to make it nice and even.
8. Bake it Up:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into this delicious treat!
Now that you’ve made your moist and easy banana bread cake, enjoy it on its own, or add a pat of butter for an extra treat!
FAQ about Moist and Easy Banana Bread Cake
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in this recipe. Just thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash them as usual. You can even microwave them for a minute or two to speed up the thawing process!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt is a perfect substitute. You can also use buttermilk or even a dairy-free yogurt if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Each will help maintain the cake’s moisture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it or freeze individual slices. Just thaw at room temperature or microwave before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Yes! Feel free to get creative. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. Just keep in mind that too many mix-ins can affect the baking time, so adjust as needed.
