Ina Garten Banana Cake

This delicious Ina Garten Banana Cake is prepared using ripe bananas, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, and sour cream. This moist banana cake recipe is a delightful dessert that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.

Ina Garten Banana Cake Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 6 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

How To Make Ina Garten Banana Cake

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Add the vegetable oil, extra-large eggs, sour cream, pure vanilla extract, and grated orange zest. Mix everything until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Prepare Dry Mix: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Ensure there are no lumps in the dry ingredients.
4. Combine and Add Nuts: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. If you’re using chopped walnuts, fold them into the batter at this stage.
5. Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
7. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and enjoy your delicious Ina Garten Banana Cake.

Recipe Tips

• Add some texture: For a bit of crunch, fold in chopped pecans or almonds instead of walnuts. This will give your banana cake an interesting texture without altering the flavor too much.
• Use ripe bananas: Ensure your bananas are overripe with brown spots. The extra sweetness and moisture from overripe bananas will enhance the cake’s flavor and make it incredibly moist.
• Substitute ingredients: If you’re out of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute. It provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, keeping the cake moist.
• Frosting variation: For a tangier frosting, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. This will give the frosting a refreshing zing, complementing the sweet banana cake perfectly.

What To Serve With Banana Cake

Serve your moist banana cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or a handful of fresh berries.

You can also pair it with a side of honey butter, a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, or a warm cup of spiced chai tea.

How To Store Banana Cake

To Refrigerate: Store the banana cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The airtight container will prevent the cake from drying out and keep it fresh.

To Freeze: Wrap the banana cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the banana cake is fully baked?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking, as it can make the cake dry.

Can I make the banana cake without nuts?

Yes, you can omit the nuts entirely without affecting the cake’s texture or flavor. If you prefer a different texture, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits as an alternative.

Ina Garten Banana Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Potassium: 350mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 35g

Check out More Recipes From Ina Garten:

• Ina Garten Peach Cake
• Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake
• Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake