There is a quiet, rustic beauty in a bowl of speckled, brown bananas sitting on the farmhouse counter. While some might see fruit past its prime, a baker sees the potential for the most comforting dessert imaginable. This recipe captures that simple magic, turning humble ingredients into a centerpiece worthy of any kitchen table.
This cake is incredibly moist and dense, holding its own against the rich tang of the cream cheese frosting. It relies on the natural sweetness of the fruit and the tenderness of buttermilk for a flavor that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
A Rustic Classic for Any Season
This isn’t just a way to use up leftovers; it is a celebration of bold, natural flavor. The buttermilk ensures a tender crumb that stays fresh for days, making it a reliable treat for the week ahead.
It is simple enough for a weekday afternoon baking session but special enough for a Sunday gathering. The natural sweetness of the bananas truly shines through, requiring no fuss or complication to taste absolutely delicious.
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Banana Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rustic banana cake features a tender, moist crumb enriched with buttermilk and the deep sweetness of overripe bananas. Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting, it is a timeless farmhouse dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 8 oz full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl using a mixer, beat the softened butter for 1 minute until smooth, then add both sugars and beat for 2 minutes until creamy.
- Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing just until incorporated.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until creamy and fluffy.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake and refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For the best flavor, use bananas that are almost completely black as they provide the most moisture and natural sugar. Ensure your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature to achieve a perfectly smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
From the Farmhouse Pantry
- Bananas: You want them heavily spotted or even black. That is where the deep sweetness and moisture come from.
- Buttermilk: This acid breaks down the gluten slightly for a softer, more tender cake. It brings a lovely tang that cuts through the sugar.
- Sugars: A mix of brown and white sugar creates moisture and a warm, caramel-like note.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter softened to room temperature so you can control the salt level.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat brick style for the frosting. It holds its shape far better than the tub variety and offers a richer texture.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan thoroughly. Mash the bananas until they are relatively smooth—I usually just use my mixer for this to keep things simple. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together in a separate bowl.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add both sugars and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until creamy and combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until combined, then beat in the mashed bananas. The mixture might look a little curdled, but that is natural. Scrape down the bowl again.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until creamy and fluffy. Spread over the cooled cake and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set before slicing.
Christine’s Baking Wisdom
Don’t rush the creaming process. Beating the butter and sugars creates air pockets that give the cake its lift, even with the heavy fruit involved. It is the foundation of a good crumb.
If you love baking with seasonal produce, check out our guide on fresh fruit baking for more inspiration. Also, always ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to prevent the batter from seizing up or curdling.
Simple Seasonal Swaps
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch that mimics a rustic bread. You can also fold in dark chocolate chips for a richer treat if you are craving something indulgent.
If you enjoy heavier, richer desserts, you might also like our chocolate fruit cake. It pairs beautifully with strong coffee and offers a deeper flavor profile.
At the Table
Slice this cake into generous squares and serve it on simple ceramic plates. It pairs wonderfully with a dark roast coffee or a cold glass of milk for an afternoon snack.
For a morning treat, it sits nicely alongside our blueberry coffee cake. The tang of the cream cheese frosting makes it perfect for a rustic brunch spread.
The Simple Truth
There is nothing quite like the smell of banana cake baking to make a house feel like a home. It is honest, simple, and always delicious. We hope this becomes a staple in your farmhouse kitchen.
For another rustic favorite, try our Irish apple cake. If you are looking for a slightly different take, Sally’s Baking Addiction also offers a lovely version. Share your bake with us on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook.
