Old Fashioned Banana Cake
A moist and flavorful banana cake with a tender crumb, perfect for banana lovers and suitable for casual gatherings or dessert occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
- Sift the first five ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt) into a large bowl.
- Mix canned milk, lemon juice, softened butter, and mashed ripe bananas in a separate bowl.
- Add the wet mixture alternately to the dry ingredients, mixing well.
- Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and beat for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool, then frost as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you don't have canned milk, regular milk or a non-dairy alternative works well. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor. To add a twist, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips, which pair beautifully with this Old Fashioned Banana Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashioned Banana Cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Fresh fruits, like berries, make a refreshing side dish. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it chilled. Frosted cakes can also be wrapped in plastic wrap for better preservation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Banana Cake contains roughly 332 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 930mg per serving (40% 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 make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before mashing. They should be very ripe for the best flavor, and the texture will be perfect for incorporating into the batter.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Old Fashioned Banana Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Adjust the baking time slightly, as gluten-free cakes may require a bit longer to bake.
What kind of frosting goes well with banana cake?
Cream cheese frosting is a classic and delicious pairing for banana cake, enhancing its flavor beautifully. You could also use a simple vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate ganache for a rich contrast. For a lighter option, a whipped cream frosting works well too.
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).