Ina Garten Old-Fashioned Banana Cake – Moist, Classic, and Comforting

When you’re in the mood for a truly comforting dessert, Ina Garten’s Old-Fashioned Banana Cake is the perfect answer. It’s everything a homemade cake should be: moist, fluffy, and full of banana flavor, with just the right amount of sweetness. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake brings nostalgic charm to any occasion—from casual afternoon tea to birthday celebrations.

What Is Ina Garten’s Old-Fashioned Banana Cake?

This recipe uses ripe bananas, buttermilk, and real butter to create a tender cake with a light crumb and rich banana flavor. It’s baked in a simple round or sheet pan and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting for the perfect finish. It’s Ina’s elevated take on a classic American recipe—simple, timeless, and delicious.

Other Ina Garten Dessert Recipes

• Ina Garten Peach Ice Cream
• Ina Garten Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
• Ina Garten New York Egg Cream
• Ina Garten Fleur de Sel Caramel

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

• Uses ripe bananas – Perfect for reducing kitchen waste
• Light and fluffy crumb – Thanks to buttermilk and cake flour
• Rich, tangy frosting – A perfect balance of sweet and creamy
• Great for all occasions – From brunch to birthdays
• Easy to make ahead – Stays moist for days
• Freezes well – Bake once, enjoy later
• Classic Barefoot Contessa quality – Simple and elegant

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

For the cake:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2½–3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• Optional: chopped walnuts or banana chips for garnish

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat the 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.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Fold in nuts if using.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the 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 the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth and spreadable.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with chopped nuts or banana chips if desired. Slice and serve.

What to Serve With Banana Cake

• Hot coffee or chai – Rich and warming
• Cold milk or almond milk – Classic pairing
• Scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream – For dessert flair
• Fresh berries or sliced bananas – For a fresh topping
• Glass of sweet wine or dessert sherry – Elegant finish
• Herbal tea with honey – Gentle balance
• Whipped cream or crème fraîche – Extra indulgence

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Use overripe bananas – Brown spots mean better flavor
• Don’t overmix the batter – Keeps the cake tender
• Let ingredients come to room temp – Ensures even mixing
• Use buttermilk, not regular milk – Adds tang and helps rise
• Cool cake completely before frosting – Prevents melting
• Sift powdered sugar – For lump-free frosting
• Make a double batch – This cake freezes beautifully

Variations of the Recipe

• Add chocolate chips or cinnamon – For a flavor boost
• Swap frosting for whipped cream – Lighter topping option
• Use maple extract in frosting – Adds fall flavor
• Layer with sliced bananas or jam – For extra texture
• Turn into cupcakes – Adjust baking time to 20–22 minutes
• Add shredded coconut to batter – For tropical flair
• Top with caramel drizzle – For a bakery-style dessert

How to Store Leftovers

• Store frosted cake in the fridge – Up to 4 days
• Bring to room temp before serving – Enhances texture
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a cake dome – Keeps moisture in
• Freeze unfrosted cake layers – Wrap well, up to 2 months
• Refrigerate leftover frosting separately – Use within a week
• Label and date any frozen portions – Easy future use
• Avoid storing with uncovered fruits – They may spoil faster

How Do I Reuse or Repurpose Leftover Banana Cake?

• Turn into banana cake trifle – Layer with whipped cream and fruit
• Use as base for cake pops – Mix with frosting and dip in chocolate
• Toast slices lightly and serve warm – Great with butter or jam
• Crumble over yogurt or ice cream – Dessert parfait idea
• Serve with caramel sauce and nuts – For a banana split-style dessert
• Make a mini ice cream sandwich – Slice, stuff, and freeze
• Use as a brunch treat – Pairs well with coffee and eggs

Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 9 servings)

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Sugar: 36g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 230mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Ina Garten’s banana cake?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well. Be sure to drain excess liquid after thawing to keep the batter from becoming too wet.

What’s the best frosting for old-fashioned banana cake?

Ina pairs it with classic cream cheese frosting. Its tangy richness complements the sweet banana flavor perfectly.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the cake a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped. Frost just before serving for the best freshness and texture.

How ripe should bananas be for this recipe?

Use bananas that are heavily speckled or fully brown—they’re sweeter, softer, and ideal for baking.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Old-Fashioned Banana Cake is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and elegance in every bite. With its moist crumb, rich banana flavor, and velvety cream cheese frosting, it’s a recipe that feels both nostalgic and special.

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