Moist Banana Cake (Printable Version)
A moist, tender cake bursting with ripe banana flavor and just the right touch of sweetness.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 3 ripe bananas, mashed
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/4 cup milk
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Add-ins
11 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
12 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the mashed bananas with granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
05 - If desired, gently fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.
07 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
08 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
09 - Slice into portions and serve plain or topped with your preferred frosting.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- It uses everyday pantry staples and turns sad, forgotten bananas into something genuinely special.
- The crumb stays ridiculously moist for days, which means it is one of those rare cakes that tastes even better on day two.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter is the fastest way to end up with a rubbery, dense cake instead of a tender one.
- Swapping oil for melted butter adds a richer flavor but the cake will firm up more as it sits, so serve it slightly warm for the best texture.
03 -
- Bananas that look almost too far gone are exactly what you want, so freeze your overripe ones and thaw them when you are ready to bake.
- A light hand when folding is the single thing that separates a good banana cake from a great one.