Banana Pound Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Banana Pound Cake offers a moist, flavorful treat with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Enhanced with nuts and vanilla, this dense cake is perfect for a comforting dessert or snack. Its simple preparation and rich taste make it ideal for banana lovers and family gatherings alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 small box vanilla instant pudding
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 cup nuts, chopped
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt or tube pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding, eggs, vanilla extract, oil, and milk. Mix until well blended.
  3. Fold in the mashed bananas and chopped nuts into the batter.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cake to cool before removing from the pan.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You can substitute the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.

Serving Suggestions

This banana pound cake is delightful served plain or with a drizzle of honey. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience. For added flavor, serve alongside Dream Fruit Dip for a refreshing contrast. It makes a wonderful breakfast treat or snack, especially with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover banana pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy at room temperature. Freezing is also an option; wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Banana Pound Cake contains roughly 418 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).

418 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 18.2g 23% DV
Carbs 55.8g 20% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 9.3g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 217.5mg 9% DV
Potassium 332.2mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 44mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.5mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 3.3mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 140.9mg 11% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them. This will ensure that your cake has the right texture and moisture level.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free banana pound cake, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like the pudding mix, are also gluten-free.

What can I do if my cake is too dry?

If your banana pound cake turns out dry, consider adding a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water to the cake after baking. Brush it on the cooled cake to add moisture and sweetness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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