Soul Food Banana Cake

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a Southern classic with this Soul Food Banana Cake—a moist, melt-in-your-mouth dessert loaded with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. Perfectly balanced with a tender crumb, this cake is simple to make using pantry staples like all-purpose flour, buttermilk, and softened butter for a rich, homestyle texture. Whether you enjoy it as is or top it with the optional cream cheese frosting, it’s an irresistible treat ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy evening indulgence. Ready in just over an hour, this easy banana cake recipe serves 12 and offers the perfect blend of soul food flavors and homemade charm.

Nutriscore Rating: 44/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:55 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe bananas
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar (for frosting, optional)
• 0.5 cups cream cheese (for frosting, optional)
• 0.25 cups butter, softened (for frosting, optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and set aside.

Step 3

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4

Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 5

Stir in the mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Step 7

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 8

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan(s).

Step 11

Optional Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

Step 12

Slice and serve the cake as is or with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream or chopped pecans. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1817.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5201.4

Total Fat 200.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 119.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 901.9mg	0%
Sodium 3952.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 811.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.2g	0%
Total Sugars 566.7g
Protein 57.3g	0%

Vitamin D 183.5IU	0%
Calcium 408.2mg	0%
Iron 14.8mg	0%
Potassium 2703.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.1%

Protein: 4.3%

Carbs: 61.5%