Banana Cake: Moist, Creamy, and Topped with Fresh Banana Delight

When you have ripe bananas on the counter and want something more indulgent than banana bread, this Banana Cake is the answer. Soft, moist, and lightly sweet with natural banana flavor, this dessert is elevated by its creamy whipped topping and generous layer of sliced bananas. It’s a crowd-pleasing cake that feels both nostalgic and luxurious—perfect for birthdays, brunches, or just a comforting weekend treat.

What sets this banana cake apart is the balance between airy texture and creamy richness. With each bite, you get the tender crumb of banana-infused cake, the cool smoothness of whipped cream or frosting, and the subtle tang of cream cheese or custard if you choose to layer it. It’s simple to make but delivers bakery-level results.

Ingredients

For the Cake
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt

For the Frosting
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for a thicker frosting)

For the Topping
2–3 bananas, sliced
Caramel sauce or honey drizzle (optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla and mashed bananas.

Step 4: Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 5: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes (9×13) or 25–30 minutes (round pans), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 6: For the frosting, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. If using cream cheese, beat it separately and fold it into the whipped cream until smooth.

Step 7: Spread frosting over cooled cake. Arrange banana slices on top, drizzle with caramel or honey if desired, and dust with powdered sugar. Chill slightly before serving.

Notes

You can make this banana cake up to two days in advance and frost it the day of serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. This cake also works beautifully as cupcakes—just reduce baking time accordingly.

Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 10–12 slices
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert, Cake

Conclusion

This Banana Cake is soft, elegant, and packed with banana flavor, making it an ideal dessert for almost any occasion. The smooth whipped topping and fresh banana slices create a showstopping presentation with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy gathering, or just because you love bananas, this cake is a guaranteed hit. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again—and maybe even keep a few bananas on hand just in case.