This Banana Cake with Sliced Bananas is a moist, flavorful dessert that perfectly combines the rich taste of ripe bananas with a soft, fluffy cake. Topped with fresh slices of banana, it offers an extra burst of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, this cake will surely become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, requires basic ingredients, and results in a cake that is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or buttermilk for a tangy twist)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 banana, sliced (for topping)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (for added texture and flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This helps create a light texture in the cake.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add bananas and sour cream: Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or buttermilk) until well combined. The mashed bananas will give the cake its signature moistness.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in thirds, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Fold in optional mix-ins: If desired, fold in walnuts or chocolate chips to add texture and flavor to the cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the banana slices on top of the batter, gently pressing them into the surface.
- Bake and cool: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once completely cooled, slice and serve your Banana Cake with Sliced Bananas. For added indulgence, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.