How can I make an easy moist banana cake recipe?

To make an easy moist banana cake recipe, use very ripe bananas, a combination of oil or butter, and milk for extra moisture. Mixing the batter gently ensures a soft, fluffy texture, making this classic banana cake recipe quick and family-friendly.

Can I make a classic banana cake with oil instead of butter?

Yes! Using oil in a classic banana cake with oil keeps the cake tender and moist. This easy moist banana cake recipe with oil is simple and produces a soft, flavorful crumb.

What’s the secret to a moist and fluffy banana cake?

The secret to a moist and fluffy banana cake is ripe bananas, proper wet-to-dry ingredient balance, and not overmixing. Following this moist banana cake recipe with milk or oil ensures a soft, old-fashioned banana cake every time.

Are there simple banana cake recipes with few ingredients?

Absolutely. Simple banana cake recipes with few ingredients can use just bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and oil or milk. This simple banana cake recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Classic Banana Cake Recipe – Easy Moist Banana Cake

Name: Classic Banana Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups); 8 oz cream cheese, softened (optional for frosting); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (optional for frosting); 2 cups powdered sugar (optional for frosting); 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional for frosting); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for frosting)

Description

A moist and fluffy banana cake made with ripe bananas, milk, and oil for a tender texture. This classic banana cake recipe is simple, old-fashioned, and perfect for birthdays, tea time, or any cozy dessert moment. Top with cream cheese frosting or enjoy plain for a timeless treat.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)

For the Frosting (optional):

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Add mashed bananas to the butter mixture. Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Bake Cake
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Frosting (Optional)
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Adjust consistency with milk if needed. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

Ripe Bananas: The riper, the sweeter—overripe bananas are perfect.
Oil Option: Using oil instead of butter gives a softer, more moist cake.
Make Ahead: Cake can be baked a day ahead; frost the next day.
Mini Version: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Category: Dessert / Classic Cake
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American