Easy Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Heaven

Banana cake represents a delectable treat that transforms overripe fruit into a sweet, comforting masterpiece.

Soft and tender textures define this beloved dessert, which transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Warm kitchens fill with irresistible aromas as ripe bananas blend seamlessly with rich, creamy ingredients.

Bakers treasure these recipes for their incredible ability to rescue near-spoiled fruit and create something spectacular.

Each slice tells a story of resourcefulness and culinary creativity, promising pure indulgence.

Home cooks adore how effortlessly this dessert comes together, requiring minimal technique but delivering maximum satisfaction.

The magic happens when basic pantry staples merge into a moist, fragrant masterpiece that everyone adores: let’s bake something extraordinary.

Why Ina Garten’s Banana Cake is a Moist, Sweet Slice of Heaven

• Burst with Fruity Freshness: Ripe bananas create a naturally sweet, incredibly moist cake that captures the essence of perfectly ripened fruit, delivering a rich and intense banana flavor in every delectable bite.
• Elevate with Creamy Comfort: The luxurious cream cheese frosting adds a velvety smooth texture that perfectly complements the tender cake, creating a harmonious balance of tangy and sweet that melts in your mouth.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: This recipe magically turns everyday pantry staples into an extraordinary dessert, proving that with Ina Garten's expert technique, even basic ingredients can become something truly spectacular and restaurant-worthy.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual family gatherings, potlucks, or elegant afternoon tea, this banana cake works as both a casual treat and a showstopping dessert that appeals to bakers of all skill levels.

What You Need for Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

• Bananas: Ripe, soft bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Sweet components that enhance flavor and help with caramelization.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates a moist texture and helps bind ingredients together.
• Extra-Large Eggs: Provide structure and help the cake rise.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Brings depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness.
• Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note to complement the banana.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the cake base.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, rich base for the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Walnuts: Optional crunchy addition that brings nutty flavor and texture.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Wet Ingredient Blend

• Ripe mashed bananas
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Extra-large eggs
• Sour cream
• Pure vanilla extract
• Grated orange zest

Whisk ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Craft Dry Ingredient Mix

• 1 all-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Kosher salt

Break up any potential lumps with a whisk.

Step 4: Merge Ingredients and Add Crunch

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. If desired, stir in chopped walnuts for extra texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cake rest in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese, room temperature
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Pure vanilla extract
• Confectioners' sugar

Beat until frosting becomes smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once cake has completely cooled, spread frosting evenly across the top. Slice and savor each delectable bite of this classic banana cake.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon into the batter for an unexpected warmth that elevates the banana's natural sweetness.
• Customize Crunch Levels: Mix roasted pistachios or toasted coconut flakes into the batter for a surprising textural contrast that makes each bite more interesting.
• Swap Dairy Smartly: Blend buttermilk instead of sour cream to create a lighter, more tender crumb that still maintains incredible moisture throughout the cake.
• Enhance Frosting Depth: Incorporate a splash of dark rum or vanilla bean paste into the cream cheese frosting for a sophisticated flavor profile that transforms the classic recipe.
• Elevate Moisture Dynamics: Brush warm cake layers with a simple syrup infused with orange zest before frosting to lock in extra moisture and introduce a subtle citrus undertone.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

• Cool Completely: Let the banana cake cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture. Moisture is the enemy of cake freshness, so patience pays off in preserving your delicious creation.
• Freeze in Slices: Cut the cake into individual portions before freezing for convenient, quick thawing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to maintain optimal flavor and prevent freezer burn.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Tip: If the cake is frosted, add a layer of plastic wrap directly touching the frosting surface before sealing in an airtight container. This extra step prevents the frosting from sticking to the container lid and maintains the cake's pristine appearance.

Delicious Variations on Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

• Tropical Paradise Banana Cake: Replace walnuts with toasted coconut flakes and add a splash of rum for a Caribbean-inspired flavor profile. Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks for extra tropical vibes.
• Chocolate Lover's Banana Delight: Fold in dark chocolate chips into the batter and drizzle melted chocolate over the cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle cocoa powder on top for an intense chocolate experience.
• Nutty Spice Banana Cake: Incorporate ground cinnamon and cardamom into the dry ingredients. Replace walnuts with pecans and add a light dusting of nutmeg on the frosting for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Gluten-Free Banana Bliss: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a healthier alternative that maintains the cake's rich, moist texture.

Ina Garten’s Banana Cake: A Perfect Dessert for All Occasions

Banana cake emerges as comfort personified, blending nostalgia with culinary sophistication.

Ina Garten’s signature recipe elevates classic dessert expectations through carefully balanced ingredients and precise techniques.

Creamy cream cheese frosting complements banana’s natural sweetness, creating harmonious flavor profiles.

Orange zest adds unexpected brightness, distinguishing this cake from standard banana confections.

Walnuts provide delightful textural contrast, introducing rustic charm to each delectable slice.

Passionate bakers and casual home cooks can confidently craft this masterpiece, knowing deliciousness awaits – so grab those ripe bananas, preheat that oven, and watch magic unfold.

Ready to become the neighborhood’s most celebrated baker?

Share this recipe, comment with your baking adventures, and spread sweet happiness one slice at a time!

Ina Garten Banana Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic banana cake delivers pure comfort through moist, rich layers of sweet banana goodness. Creamy frosting and delicate crumb make this dessert an irresistible treat that brings warmth to any gathering you’ll love sharing.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 ½ cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

Fats, Liquids, and Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (cake)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (frosting)
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)
• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a 9-inch (23-centimeter) round cake pan with butter and flour to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Create a smooth wet ingredient base by mashing ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, extra-large eggs, sour cream, pure vanilla extract, and freshly grated orange zest. Whisk the ingredients until they form a uniform, silky mixture.
3. Sift the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt – into a separate bowl, breaking down any potential clumps to guarantee a consistent texture.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing. Carefully integrate chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
5. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without any raw batter.
6. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
7. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating room-temperature cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
8. Once the cake has cooled entirely, generously apply the cream cheese frosting across the top surface. Slice and serve this delectable banana cake.

Notes

• Let browning bananas become your baking treasure, transforming overripe fruit into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
• Selecting bananas with deep brown spots guarantees maximum natural sweetness and intense banana flavor.
• Bringing ingredients to room temperature ensures smooth batter blending and even cake texture.
• Incorporating sour cream creates an incredibly tender crumb that stays moist and delectable.
• Sprinkling chopped walnuts adds delightful crunch and nutty complexity to each delicious slice.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg