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Moist Banana Delight

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

This flavorful cake blends ripe bananas with a touch of applesauce for soft texture. It's slathered with creamy buttercream, and walnuts add a satisfying crunch. Great for any day or special occasions!

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Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 15:33:25 GMT
A moist banana cake slice with creamy frosting and fresh banana slices on a teal plate, with a blurred banana in the back. Pin it
A moist banana cake slice with creamy frosting and fresh banana slices on a teal plate, with a blurred banana in the back. | cookingkitchn.com

Looking for the best way to use those brown bananas? Try this irresistible Banana Cake masterpiece! It's got everything you want - super moist cake loaded with spices and walnuts, then topped with silky buttercream. Perfect for birthdays or just because you deserve something amazing. Once you taste this homemade delight, everyone will be begging for more!

What Makes This Treat So Special

This banana masterpiece checks all the boxes - it's incredibly moist, packed with flavor, and comes together without much fuss. The combo of warming spices adds wonderful depth, while the creamy buttercream takes it to another level of yumminess. Don't worry if you're new to baking - this recipe won't let you down and turns out great every time. And it's so flexible - you can turn the batter into cute muffins or spread it in a bigger pan for parties.

What You'll Need

  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives your cake that perfect soft texture.
  • Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Work together to make your cake nice and airy.
  • Salt: Brings out all the tasty notes in your dessert.
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Add cozy spiciness that works magic with bananas.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the banana flavor with just enough sweetness.
  • Oil: The secret to a cake that stays super moist.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds amazing moisture without extra fat.
  • Eggs: Hold everything together for the perfect texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm background note everyone loves.
  • Overripe Bananas: The darker the better for the most banana flavor.
  • Butter, Powdered Sugar, and Heavy Cream: The trio that creates dreamy buttercream.
  • Chopped Walnuts: Add these if you want a bit of crunch on top.

Baking Your Masterpiece

Get Your Oven Ready
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and get your 8x8-inch pan ready by giving it a good spray or lining it with some parchment.
Put Together Dry Stuff
Grab a big bowl and mix your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Just set it aside for now.
Blend Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together your sugar, oil, and applesauce. Then add in the eggs, vanilla, and those mashed bananas, mixing just enough to bring everything together.
Finish Up and Bake
Gently mix your dry ingredients into the wet stuff, being careful not to overdo it. Pour everything into your pan and bake about 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before you add any frosting.

Whipping Up Your Topping

Handle the Butter First
Put your butter in a small pot over medium heat until it melts. If you want extra flavor, keep cooking until it turns a nice amber color and smells nutty. Let it cool down before using.
Create Your Creamy Topping
With a mixer, beat together your cooled butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until it's all smooth and fluffy. If it's too thick, add a bit more cream - too thin, just sprinkle in more powdered sugar.
A slice of banana cake topped with banana slices and creamy frosting sits on a plate, with additional bananas blurred in the background. Pin it
A slice of banana cake topped with banana slices and creamy frosting sits on a plate, with additional bananas blurred in the background. | cookingkitchn.com

Adding The Finishing Touches

Once your cake has cooled down, spread that luscious buttercream all over the top. Scatter some chopped walnuts across the frosting if you want that extra bit of crunch and flavor. Cut into squares and get ready to impress. This cake doesn't just taste amazing - it looks gorgeous too, making it perfect for any table.

Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? Keep them in a sealed container at room temp for up to 3 days. Want to save some for later? Wrap single slices in plastic and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Planning ahead? You can bake the cake early, wrap it up tight and stick it in the fridge. Just add the frosting right before you're ready to serve so everything tastes fresh and amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of bananas work best?

Overripe bananas with dark spots are ideal. They're sweeter and mash easier, creating a moist and flavorful cake.

→ Can I leave out the applesauce?

Applesauce makes the cake extra soft and cuts down the oil. If you're out, swap it with the same amount of oil. The texture might change slightly.

→ What’s the best way to store it?

Keep the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I prepare it early?

Sure! Bake it the day before and store it without frosting. Spread the buttercream just before serving for freshest taste.

→ Why separate dry and wet ingredients?

Separating dry ingredients ensures spices and baking powder spread evenly. Gradually mixing them with wet avoids making the cake dense or heavy.

Moist Banana Delight

Fluffy banana cake that’s extra tender thanks to applesauce and ripe bananas. Finished with rich buttercream and crunchy walnuts, if you like.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 9 Servings (1 8x8 inch cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup white sugar.
02 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
03 2 eggs.
04 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.
05 1/4 cup vegetable or avocado oil.
06 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
07 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
08 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.
09 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
10 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
11 1/2 teaspoon salt.
12 2 large mashed bananas.
13 1 tablespoon heavy cream.
14 1 cup powdered sugar.
15 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.
16 1/4 cup butter.
17 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 325°F to warm it. Lightly grease an 8x8 baking dish and leave it close by for later.

Step 02

Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a big mixing bowl. Mix everything and put it aside.

Step 03

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, blend together the sugar, oil, and applesauce in a second bowl. Toss in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract and mix gently until the batter comes together.

Step 04

Add the dry mix into the wet mix gradually. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, checking with a toothpick that it comes out clean. Let it cool down fully before moving on.

Step 05

Melt the butter in a small pan on medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, immediately transfer it into another container to cool. Let it reach room temperature.

Step 06

In a bowl, whip together the cooled butter, heavy cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar using your hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until it’s creamy and smooth.

Step 07

Spread the frosting over the cake once it’s cooled. Sprinkle walnuts on top if you like! Slice the cake into equal squares and enjoy.

Notes

  1. Keep in a sealed container until it’s time to eat.

Tools You'll Need

  • Square baking dish (8x8).
  • Stand mixer or hand-held mixer.
  • Small saucepot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.
  • Tree nuts (walnuts - optional).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 388
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 59 g
  • Protein: 4 g