Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Cake Recipe
Peanut Butter Banana Bliss! This peanut butter banana cake is ultra-moist, packed with rich nutty flavor and sweet banana goodness. Bake today!
Picture this: the sweet aroma of ripe bananas mingling with creamy peanut butter, creating a cake so moist and flavorful that one bite transports you straight to comfort food heaven. This peanut butter banana cake combines two beloved flavors in perfect harmony, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and utterly satisfying.
Here’s a fun fact: bananas and peanut butter were first paired in recipes during the 1940s, and they’ve been a match made in heaven ever since! This cake is incredibly special because it transforms overripe bananas into pure gold while delivering that rich, nutty flavor we all crave.
Unlike our popular chocolate chip banana bread, this cake takes things up a notch with layers of peanut butter goodness that will have your family asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first slice.
Table of Contents
What is Peanut Butter Banana Cake?
Ever wondered why this heavenly combination got such a straightforward name? Well, sometimes the best things in life don’t need fancy titles – they just need to taste incredible! This cake is exactly what it sounds like: a perfectly moist banana cake infused with rich, creamy peanut butter that creates layers of flavor in every single bite.
Legend has it that this cake was born from a happy accident when someone’s peanut butter jar fell into their banana bread batter. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this cake certainly proves that theory right! Ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert?
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Banana Cake
The Perfect Flavor Combination This cake delivers the ultimate comfort food experience with its incredibly moist crumb and rich, nutty flavor profile. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas perfectly balances the creamy richness of peanut butter, creating a dessert that’s neither too sweet nor too heavy. Every bite melts in your mouth, leaving you with that satisfied feeling that only comes from truly exceptional homemade treats.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness Making this cake at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a similar dessert at a bakery. You probably have most ingredients in your pantry already – ripe bananas, peanut butter, flour, and basic baking staples. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter instead of throwing them away.
Incredible Toppings and Variations The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility. Top it with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or simply dust it with powdered sugar. Add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Unlike our simple vanilla pound cake, this recipe welcomes creativity and customization to suit any taste preference.
Ready to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that guarantees success every time!
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Cake
Quick Overview
This peanut butter banana cake is surprisingly simple to make, requiring just one bowl and basic mixing techniques. The combination of mashed bananas and peanut butter creates an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days. What makes this recipe special is how the peanut butter doesn’t overpower the banana flavor – instead, they complement each other beautifully.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serves: 12 slices
Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Cake
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Lightly dust with flour, tapping out excess. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cake.
Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth with just a few small lumps remaining. Add the peanut butter and melted butter, mixing until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Add Sugars and Eggs
Beat in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. The mixture should be light and fluffy at this point.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add half of the flour mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Pour in the buttermilk and mix until incorporated. Add remaining flour mixture, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Don’t overmix – this keeps the cake tender.
Add Optional Ingredients
If using chocolate chips or chopped peanuts, fold them in gently with a wooden spoon. These add extra texture and flavor to every bite.
Bake to Perfection
Pour batter into prepared pan(s), spreading evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes for a 9×13 pan, or 35-40 minutes for round pans. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting or serving. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean slices.
What to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cake With
This versatile cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Serve it with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination, or try it with fresh whipped cream and sliced strawberries for a lighter option. A hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk complements the rich flavors perfectly.
For special occasions, consider serving it with caramel sauce drizzled on top, or alongside fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. The cake also makes an excellent base for trifles when cubed and layered with pudding and fruit.
Top Tips for Perfecting Peanut Butter Banana Cake
Use the Right Bananas
Choose bananas that are very ripe – they should have brown spots and be soft to the touch. These bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, contributing to better flavor and texture in your cake.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you add the flour, mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in flour, resulting in a tough, dense cake instead of the tender crumb you want.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before using. This helps ingredients combine more easily and creates a smoother batter, leading to better texture in the finished cake.
Test for Doneness Properly
Use the toothpick test, but don’t expect it to come out completely clean. A few moist crumbs are perfect – this indicates the cake is done but still moist.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk in equal amounts, or use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Natural peanut butter works too, but the cake may be slightly less sweet.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage Store covered cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. Use plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture. The cake actually gets more flavorful after the first day as the flavors meld together.
Refrigerator Storage For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Freezing Instructions This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. For whole cakes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating Tips To refresh day-old cake, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a whole cake, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This restores the cake’s soft, moist texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/12 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Total Carbs | 42g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 24g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Potassium | 245mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Create a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. You can also use plain yogurt thinned with a little milk.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and peanut flavor to the cake. The pieces of peanuts distribute throughout, creating pleasant surprises in every bite.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with brown spots and soft flesh. Very ripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, contributing to better flavor and moisture in your cake.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! Divide the batter among 18 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
What’s the best way to mash bananas?
Use a fork to mash bananas in a large bowl. You want them mostly smooth with just a few small lumps for texture. Avoid using a food processor, which can make them too liquidy.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Try chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, mini marshmallows, or even shredded coconut. Add up to 1 cup total of mix-ins for best results.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. The cake should also spring back lightly when touched and start pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Pro Baker Secrets for Extra Success
The Brown Butter Trick For even more flavor, brown your butter before adding it to the batter. Heat butter in a small saucepan until it turns golden and smells nutty, then let it cool slightly before using.
Double the Peanut Butter Flavor Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder to your dry ingredients for an extra boost of peanut flavor without changing the cake’s texture.
Banana Ripening Hack Need ripe bananas fast? Place unripe bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black and the flesh is soft.
Moisture Lock Technique Place a slice of bread in your cake container to help maintain moisture and keep the cake fresh longer.
This peanut butter banana cake recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. The combination of flavors, the incredibly moist texture, and the ease of preparation make it a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just want to treat your family to something delicious, this cake delivers every single time.
Remember, the best cakes are made with love, so don’t stress about perfection. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade masterpiece!
