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
Scale
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
