Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Bananas
- Mash Bananas:
- In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix well.
Step 4: Incorporate Bananas
- Add Bananas:
- Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly mixed with the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional spices (cinnamon or nutmeg).
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Mix Together:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Serve
- Enjoy:
- Once the cake is completely cool, you can enjoy it plain or dusted with powdered sugar. For extra sweetness, you can also frost it with your favorite frosting or cream cheese frosting.
Tips for Perfect Banana Cake
- Bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Mixing: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Conclusion
This easy Banana Cake is a delightful and simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a moist and flavorful cake that highlights the natural sweetness of bananas. Whether served plain or with a touch of frosting, it’s sure to be a hit!