Grandma'S Banana Cake
A moist, flavorful banana cake with rich banana and vanilla notes, perfect for family gatherings or teatime, offering a classic homemade treat everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter until smooth, then add sugar and beat until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Pour batter into a greased tube pan and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra moisture, use very ripe bananas and consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to balance flavors. If you don't have buttermilk, regular milk with a splash of vinegar can work. You can also substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. Adding nuts enhances the texture, but they are optional.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grandma's Banana Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve alongside a slice of Raisin Pecan Cake for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Banana Cake contains roughly 1056 calories, with 16g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They will add great moisture and sweetness to the cake.
How can I make this cake more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You might also experiment with adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the batter for a unique twist.
What if I don't have a tube pan?
If you don't have a tube pan, you can use a 9x13 inch baking dish instead. Just adjust the baking time, checking for doneness around 30-40 minutes, as it may bake faster.
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).