Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe

Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe

This Ina Garten Banana Cake is a moist and fluffy dessert, which uses ripe bananas and sour cream. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 55 minutes.

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Ina Garten Banana Cake Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How To Make Ina Garten Banana Cake

  1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Mix bananas and sour cream: Add mashed bananas and sour cream and mix until combined.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Bake the cake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
  7. Prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
  8. Frost the cake: Once fully cooled, spread frosting evenly over the cake.
Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe
Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
    Yes, plain full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.
  • How to make it more moist:
    Make sure to use very ripe bananas and don’t overbake the cake.
  • Can I make this as cupcakes?
    Yes, fill lined muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes.
  • Add-ins for extra texture:
    Chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips can be folded into the batter.
  • How to store it:
    Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.

What To Serve With Banana Cake

Serve this sweet treat with:

  • Hot coffee or espresso
  • Fresh berries on the side
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top
  • A drizzle of caramel sauce

How To Store Banana Cake

Refrigerate:
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Banana Cake Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: ~480
  • Carbohydrates: ~60g
  • Protein: ~5g
  • Fat: ~24g
  • Saturated Fat: ~14g
  • Cholesterol: ~90mg
  • Sodium: ~250mg
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sugar: ~40g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.

Why is my cake too dense?
Overmixing or using under-ripe bananas can make the cake heavy.

How to get smooth frosting?
Sift the powdered sugar and use room temperature butter and cream cheese.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, use two pans or a larger pan and adjust the bake time.

Can I skip the frosting?
Yes, it’s still delicious plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Try More Recipes:

Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

480

kcal

This moist and fluffy banana cake is topped with rich cream cheese frosting for a sweet and simple dessert that never fails.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar

  • 2 eggs, room temperature

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  • Cream butter and sugars until light. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  • Mix in bananas and sour cream.
  • In another bowl, whisk dry ingredients. Add gradually to wet mixture.
  • Pour into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Beat cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  • Frost cooled cake and serve.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.