Moist Banana Cake Dessert (Printable)
A moist, tender banana cake bursting with sweet flavor, perfect for dessert or afternoon tea. Serves 8.
# What You Need:
→ Wet Ingredients
01 - 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1¼ cups)
02 - ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
03 - ½ cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Dry Ingredients
06 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
09 - ¼ teaspoon salt
10 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
→ Optional Add-ins
11 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
12 - ½ cup chocolate chips
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, tapping out any excess flour.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat together the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.
04 - Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
05 - Gently stir in chopped nuts or chocolate chips if desired, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
07 - Bake on the center rack for 35 to 40 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 carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You probably already have every single ingredient sitting in your kitchen right now.
- The batter comes together in one bowl with zero fancy equipment required.
- It stays incredibly moist for days, making it the perfect make ahead treat for unexpected guests.
02 -
- Underbaking by even five minutes leaves a gummy center that never sets, so always test with a toothpick before pulling it from the oven.
- Folding the dry ingredients in two additions rather than all at once prevents flour clouds and ensures a smoother, more even batter.
03 -
- Resist the urge to open the oven door before the 30 minute mark, because sudden temperature drops can cause the center to collapse.
- A pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon adds a complexity that most people cannot quite identify but everyone seems to love.