Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 large bananas)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. You can leave some small lumps for texture if desired.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients mixture and the milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients (e.g., 1/3 dry, 1/2 milk, 1/3 dry, 1/2 milk, 1/3 dry). Mix until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly for round pans (typically 30-35 minutes).
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto the rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
For the best flavor, ensure your bananas are very ripe (brown spots are a good sign!). Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake. This cake is delicious on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a simple cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg