The Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe is moist, sweet and full of banana flavor. It is a great way to use ripe bananas. The cake is soft and tender.
It smells amazing while baking. This cake is perfect for dessert or a snack. It also works great for breakfast with coffee.
The Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe is simple and comforting. It is one of those recipes that feels like home.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Banana Cake
I tried this recipe when my bananas turned very ripe. I wanted a simple cake for my family. The batter was easy to mix.
The kitchen smelled like sweet bananas. When the cake came out, it was golden and soft. Everyone loved the texture and taste.
The cake stayed moist for days. It became a regular in my home. I now bake it often for gatherings.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe
- Ripe bananas, mashed – 3 medium
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Unsalted butter, softened – ½ cup
- Eggs – 2 large
- Sour cream – ½ cup
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mash the Bananas
Mash ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth. Set aside for later.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This makes the cake tender.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract well.
Mix in Bananas and Sour Cream
Add mashed bananas and sour cream. Stir until combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a bowl.
Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
Gradually add dry mix to wet batter. Stir gently until smooth.
Bake the Cake
Pour batter into pan. Bake for 45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool Before Slicing
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then cool on a rack.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe
- Use very ripe bananas for strong flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Measure flour correctly using a spoon.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs.
- Check cake with a toothpick before removing.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unripe bananas.
- Overmixing the batter and making it dense.
- Adding too much flour.
- Baking at wrong temperature.
- Not greasing the pan well.
- Cutting the cake too early while hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this banana cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. It is great for breakfast or a snack.
Add a drizzle of honey or a light dusting of powdered sugar. The cake also pairs well with fresh berries. It makes a perfect dessert for family gatherings.
Variations You Can Try
- Add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Add chopped walnuts for crunch.
- Use cinnamon swirl for more flavor.
- Top with cream cheese frosting.
- Add mashed pumpkin for a fall twist.
- Mix in shredded coconut for texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store the cake in an airtight container.
- Keep at room temperature for 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for 10 seconds.
- Freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Health Benefits
Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamin B6. They help with energy and digestion. This cake uses real fruit and feels homemade.
It is a better choice than many store-bought desserts. The cake is filling and satisfying. It can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas mashed – 3 medium
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Unsalted butter softened – ½ cup
- Eggs – 2 large
- Sour cream – ½ cup
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mash the Bananas
- Mash ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth. Set aside for later.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This makes the cake tender.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract well.
Mix in Bananas and Sour Cream
- Add mashed bananas and sour cream. Stir until combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a bowl.
Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
- Gradually add dry mix to wet batter. Stir gently until smooth.
Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into pan. Bake for 45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool Before Slicing
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then cool on a rack.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for strong flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Measure flour correctly using a spoon.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs.
- Check cake with a toothpick before removing.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
FAQs about Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them and drain extra liquid before mashing.
2. Can I make this cake in a round pan?
Yes, you can use a 9-inch round pan. Adjust baking time slightly.
3. How do I know the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, add ½ cup of nuts or chips for extra flavor and texture.
5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour in the same amount. The texture may change slightly.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe is simple and delicious. It is perfect for using ripe bananas. The cake is moist and full of flavor.
It is easy to bake and hard to resist. Try it for breakfast, dessert or a snack. You will love the soft texture and sweet taste. This recipe is a keeper for sure.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!