Pastry Education

 Banana cake is a delicious and moist dessert that utilizes ripe bananas, making it a great way to use up overripe fruit. Its sweet, rich flavor and soft texture make it a popular choice for both everyday treats and special occasions. This guide will walk you through the process of making a simple yet delightful banana cake from scratch, perfect for those not observing a fast and looking for a rich, buttery dessert. 

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth baking process.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup (115g) of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) of buttermilk
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

For the Frosting (Optional):

• 8 oz (225g) of cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (60g) of unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups (360-480g) of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons of milk (if needed)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Spatula
• Masher or fork (for mashing bananas)
• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking pan or two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature by the time your batter is ready.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For round cake pans, you can line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.

3. Mash the Bananas

Peel and mash the ripe bananas in a bowl using a masher or fork until smooth. Set aside.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed in the flour.

5. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.

6. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

7. Add Mashed Bananas

Mix in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.

8. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

9. Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

10. Bake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes for the 9x13 inch pan, or 25-30 minutes for the round cake pans, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so start checking a few minutes before the recommended time.

11. Cool the Cake

Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack.

Making the Frosting (Optional)

1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

2. Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar

Add the vanilla extract and gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and reaches your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula. If you're using round cake pans, you can frost between the layers as well.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the cake as is or with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Enjoy a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a hot beverage like coffee or tea.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation.
• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

Banana cake is a delightful and versatile dessert that’s easy to make and enjoy. With this detailed guide, even beginners can create a moist and flavorful banana cake that will impress family and friends. Happy baking and enjoy your delicious homemade cake!