If you are on the lookout for a moist, flavorful, and utterly delightful treat, this Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It perfectly blends ripe bananas’ natural sweetness with the rich, nutty depth of peanut butter, culminating in a cake that’s tender and wonderfully balanced. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or an everyday indulgence, this cake’s luscious peanut butter frosting and soft crumb will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me take you through how easy it is to make this scrumptious dessert shine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding moisture and flavor to ensuring the perfect texture and tenderness for the cake.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the cake.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Adds lift and balances the batter’s acidity.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and tenderness.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Infuses the cake with its signature nutty flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and promotes a tender crumb.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds subtle molasses depth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Amplifies the overall flavor profile.
- 4 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups): Brings moisture, sweetness, and banana’s comforting taste.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Adds acidity, keeping the cake moist and tender.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a creamy, rich frosting base.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting): Enhances the frosting with deep peanut buttery goodness.
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk): Adjusts frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds nuanced sweetness and balances flavors.
- Sliced bananas: Fresh garnish that adds color and freshness.
- Crushed peanuts: Adds crunch and emphasizes the peanut theme.
- Drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter: An optional decorative and tasty final touch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—these dry ingredients will help your cake rise perfectly while keeping it tender.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and peanut butter along with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is where the creamy texture starts building, lending your cake a rich, velvety base.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This process helps to stabilize your batter and bring out the aroma and flavor that make this recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Mix in the Mashed Bananas
Stir the ripe mashed bananas into your wet mixture, infusing the batter with natural sweetness and moisture that will keep the cake tender and rich in flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients alternated with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Mixing just until combined ensures your cake remains soft without becoming dense or tough. The buttermilk’s acidity helps balance the sweetness and activates the leavening agents to give the cake a perfect rise.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top gently with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This wait is absolutely worth it for the fragrant, golden-brown cake you’ll pull from the oven.
Step 7: Cool the Cake Completely
Allow the cake to cool completely in its pan. Patience here is key because frosting a warm cake will cause it to melt and slide off, so use this time to prepare the frosting or clean up your kitchen!
Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
Beat together softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until your frosting becomes light and fluffy. Adjust thickness with extra cream if necessary for that perfect spreadability.
Step 9: Frost and Garnish
Spread your luscious peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then top with sliced bananas, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter for an eye-catching, delectable finish.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh banana slices add a vibrant and inviting touch, enhancing your cake’s natural fruitiness. Crushed peanuts provide satisfying crunch and emphasize the rich peanut flavor, while a drizzle of melted chocolate or extra peanut butter adds contrast and richness, making each bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance its richness. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad. A cup of strong coffee or robust black tea also complements the peanut butter and banana notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, cut the cake into small squares and place on decorative paper liners for easy serving. You can also layer this cake with alternating frosting and banana slices for a stacked cake or turn it into cupcakes topped with the peanut butter frosting and garnished with mini peanut butter chips for individual treats that wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover peanut butter banana cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer, keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days, though the frosting may firm up somewhat.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake lasts up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
If you like warm cake, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting too much. This quick heat-up brings back the cake’s softness and brings out the peanut butter aroma.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture both in the cake and the frosting. Just keep in mind the cake might have more noticeable nut pieces throughout.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can achieve similar results. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Is this cake suitable for freezing after frosting?
Yes, carefully wrap the frosted cake in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor maintenance.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even slightly soft texture. They blend more easily and impart a stronger, sweeter banana flavor perfect for this cake.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe is one of those wonderful desserts that feels both comforting and a little bit special every time you make it. From the rich peanut butter frosting to the tender banana-infused crumb, it’s sure to earn a spot in your baking repertoire. Honestly, once you try it, you might find yourself reaching for it more often than you expect — and that’s a delicious problem worth having!
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Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A rich and moist Peanut Butter Banana Cake that combines the creamy flavors of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting and garnished with sliced bananas and crushed peanuts, this cake is perfect for dessert or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup buttermilk
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish
- Sliced bananas
- Crushed peanuts
- Drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Incorporate Bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until fully combined with the wet mixture, adding natural moisture and sweetness.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix everything just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake Duration: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
- Finish Frosting: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, adjust consistency by adding more cream as needed.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake, ensuring full coverage.
- Garnish: Decorate with sliced bananas, crushed peanuts, and optionally drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter atop for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture in the cake.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting and slipping.
- Adjust frosting thickness by adding more or less cream depending on preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
