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.
Jump to RecipeIna 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
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix bananas and sour cream: Add mashed bananas and sour cream and mix until combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Frost the cake: Once fully cooled, spread frosting evenly over the cake.

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 Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
- Ina Garten Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
- Ina Garten Chocolate Cake With Coffee Recipe
Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes40
minutes480
kcalThis 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.
