Moist Banana Cake (Printable)
A moist, tender banana cake bursting with ripe banana flavor and just the right touch of sweetness.
# What You Need:
→ 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
# How To Make It:
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. 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 until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
05 - If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
07 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Let the cake 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 favorite frosting. Cream cheese frosting pairs especially well.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The crumb stays impossibly moist for days thanks to the oil and banana combination, making it the rare cake that tastes better on day two.
- It comes together in one bowl with zero fancy equipment, which means you can decide to bake it and be eating a warm slice within an hour.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter once the flour goes in develops gluten and turns your tender cake into something closer to bread.
- Opening the oven door before the 35 minute mark can cause the center to sink and never recover.
03 -
- Melted butter adds a richer, deeper flavor than oil if you are willing to sacrifice a tiny bit of the lasting softness.
- A pinch of cinnamon in the dry ingredients makes the banana flavor taste warmer and more complex without anyone guessing your secret.