Best Banana Cake
A moist banana cake bursting with vanilla, banana extract, and 1/ 2 tsp butter flavor, studded with pecans—perfect for brunch or a sweet snack for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together shortening, sugar, vanilla, banana extract, and butter flavor.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in mashed bananas, buttermilk, and pecans.
- Grease and flour a Bundt or tube pan, then pour in the batter.
- Bake at 325° for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra moist cake, ensure your bananas are very ripe, as their natural sweetness enhances the flavor. If you don't have buttermilk, substitute it with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. You can also replace pecans with walnuts for a different texture. To save time, use a hand mixer for creaming the shortening and sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This best banana cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also complements well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or afternoon snacks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Banana Cake contains roughly 1421 calories, with 30g protein, 290g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (77% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2853mg per serving (124% of the Daily Value).
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
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the banana cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.
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).