Ina Garten Old Fashioned Banana Cake Recipe

This Ina Garten Old Fashioned Banana Cake is a soft and flavorful recipe, which includes ripe bananas and buttermilk. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 55 minutes.

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Ina Garten Old Fashioned Banana Cake Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Walnut halves, for decorating (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

How To Make Ina Garten Old Fashioned Banana Cake

1. Preheat and prep the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line a 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla.
3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in nuts if using.
4. Bake the cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
5. Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth and spreadable.
6. Frost and serve: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with walnut halves if desired. Slice and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use overripe bananas?
  Yes, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake.
• How to substitute buttermilk:
  Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.
• Can I use a different frosting?
  Yes, a simple buttercream or even a dusting of powdered sugar also works.
• How to make it nut-free:
  Just omit the walnuts—the cake is still delicious on its own.
• How to store leftovers:
  Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices for longer storage.

What To Serve With Banana Cake

This old-fashioned cake pairs beautifully with:

• A hot cup of coffee or chai
• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• A drizzle of caramel sauce
• Fresh strawberries or blueberries
• Toasted coconut flakes on top

How To Store Old Fashioned Banana Cake

Refrigerate:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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

Banana Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~510
• Carbohydrates: ~60g
• Protein: ~5g
• Fat: ~27g
• Saturated Fat: ~12g
• Sugar: ~38g
• Fiber: ~2g

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

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake a day in advance and frost it before serving.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes, bake in muffin tins for 18–20 minutes. Makes about 12 cupcakes.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk?
Yes, use plain yogurt as a substitute in equal measure.

How to make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips before baking.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe
• Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
• Ina Garten Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Recipe