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Ina Garten Old-Fashioned Banana Cake

Ina Garten Old-Fashioned Banana Cake
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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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.

Find it online: https://inagartencooks.com/ina-garten-old-fashioned-banana-cake/