Ultimate Banana Cake III: Moist, Flavorful & Easy Recipe
Banana cake is a timeless classic, a comforting bake that satisfies with its moist texture and rich, sweet flavor. This recipe, which we’re calling Banana Cake III, builds upon the foundations of the classic, incorporating a few key tweaks to elevate it to a new level of deliciousness. We’ve focused on maximizing moisture, intensifying the banana flavor, and creating a cake that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Why Banana Cake III? What Makes it Special?
You might be wondering why we’re calling this recipe ‘Banana Cake III.’ Well, it represents our third iteration of perfecting the ultimate banana cake. We’ve learned from previous attempts, incorporating feedback and experimentation to achieve what we believe is the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. Here’s what sets this recipe apart:
* **Intense Banana Flavor:** We use a combination of mashed ripe bananas and banana extract to amplify the banana flavor. Ripe bananas are key to a sweet and moist cake, but the extract gives it an extra boost of banana goodness.
* **Ultra-Moist Texture:** The addition of sour cream and oil ensures a tender and moist crumb that stays fresh for days. We’ve carefully balanced the wet and dry ingredients to prevent the cake from becoming heavy or soggy.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are clearly outlined for a foolproof baking experience.
* **Customizable:** The recipe serves as a fantastic base for customization. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, spices, or even a cream cheese frosting to create your own signature banana cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Dry Ingredients:**
* 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* ½ teaspoon salt
* **Wet Ingredients:**
* ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
* ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon banana extract (optional, but recommended)
* 1 cup (240ml) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
* ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
* ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
* ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Equipment Needed
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
* Rubber spatula
* Toothpick or cake tester
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfectly moist and flavorful banana cake.
**Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure even baking.
* Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to lift out of the pan.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for proper leavening and flavor.
**Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars**
* In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important for incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results, creaming for about 3-5 minutes.
**Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts**
* Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.
* Stir in the vanilla extract and banana extract (if using). The extracts enhance the overall flavor of the cake.
**Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
* In a small bowl, mash the bananas well. You can use a fork or a potato masher to achieve a smooth consistency.
* Add the mashed bananas, sour cream, and oil to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
**Step 6: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients**
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough cake. It’s best to mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, leaving a few streaks of flour visible.
**Step 7: Fold in Optional Add-ins**
* If using chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter. Folding ensures that the add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the cake without deflating the batter.
**Step 8: Pour Batter into Pan and Bake**
* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the surface of the batter.
* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness using a toothpick or cake tester.
**Step 9: Cool and Serve**
* Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake in the pan allows it to set and prevents it from sticking.
* Once the cake is completely cool, you can slice and serve it. You can enjoy it plain, or you can top it with a cream cheese frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of glaze.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Cake
Here are some additional tips to ensure that your banana cake turns out perfectly every time:
* **Use Ripe Bananas:** The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, helps them to emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack it down and result in too much flour in your recipe.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
* **Cool Completely Before Frosting:** If you plan to frost the cake, make sure it is completely cool before applying the frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about banana cake is that it’s so versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
* **Chocolate Chip Banana Cake:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate) to the batter.
* **Nutty Banana Cake:** Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
* **Spiced Banana Cake:** Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves to the batter, in addition to the cinnamon and nutmeg.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** Top the cake with a classic cream cheese frosting. To make the frosting, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of softened butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
* **Brown Butter Glaze:** Drizzle the cake with a brown butter glaze. To make the glaze, melt ¼ cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the butter is browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
* **Banana Bread Style:** Bake the batter in a loaf pan for a classic banana bread texture.
Serving Suggestions
Banana cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
* **With a scoop of vanilla ice cream:** The warm, sweet cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream.
* **With a dollop of whipped cream:** Top the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
* **With a drizzle of caramel sauce:** Drizzle the cake with warm caramel sauce.
* **With a cup of coffee or tea:** Banana cake is a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
* **As a snack or dessert:** Enjoy a slice of banana cake as a snack or dessert any time of day.
Storage Instructions
To keep your banana cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Banana Cake III: Recipe Card
**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30-35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
* ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon banana extract (optional, but recommended)
* 1 cup (240ml) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
* ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
* ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
* 1 cup chocolate chips or ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and banana extracts.
5. In a small bowl, mash bananas.
6. Add mashed bananas, sour cream, and oil to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
8. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts (if using).
9. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-8g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-40g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 3-4g
**Note:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Banana Cake III is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic bake. With its intense banana flavor, ultra-moist texture, and ease of preparation, it’s a cake that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, this recipe is a winner. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate banana cake!
Happy baking!