Melt-In-Your-Mouth Banana Cake: A Delicious Delight
Hello, y’all! It’s time to sweeten things up with a recipe that will satisfy your sweet cravings and ignite your taste buds. This recipe is one of my all-time favorites and has been passed down through generations of southern belles. I present to you the Southern Style Banana Cake Recipe!
If you are a lover of banana pudding or banana bread, then this banana cake will be right up your alley. Its flavor, texture, and aroma are simply heavenly. The cake is moist and tender, with a subtle crunch from the walnuts that complement the soft bananas in the batter. The hint of vanilla balanced with the sweetness of granulated sugar takes this cake to the next level.
Not only is this cake deliciously decadent, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party or a Sunday brunch, this banana cake provides a southern charm that will delight any crowd. Plus, with simple kitchen measurements, it’s easy to make even for beginners.
So, without further ado, let’s get baking! Join me in making one of Dolly Parton’s favorite southern-style cakes – the Southern Style Banana Cake Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of southern-style cuisine or just looking for a deliciously decadent cake? Look no further than my Southern Style Banana Cake recipe! This cake is the perfect mix of sweet and moist, packed with flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
Not only is this cake easy to make, but it also combines two of the South’s favorite treats: banana pudding and cake. This recipe has been tried and tested, with rave reviews from those who have tasted it – including the queen of country music herself, Dolly Parton! Her favorite southern style banana split cake recipe features Duncan Hines and Dolly herself!
The ingredients list might look like a lot, but trust me, every single item is necessary to give this cake its irresistibly delicious flavor. The mashed bananas add a natural sweetness while the walnuts give it just the right amount of crunch. Buttermilk keeps the cake moist and flavorful, while a dash of vanilla adds depth to the taste.
Not only is this cake mouth-wateringly delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of frosting or served alongside ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Whether you’re serving up your favorite flavor or celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, this Southern Style Banana Cake is sure to impress all who try it!
So why wait? Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started in the kitchen, give my Southern Style Banana Cake recipe a try. I guarantee it’ll become one of your new favorites!
Ingredient List
Before we roll up our sleeves and start baking, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients we need to make this amazing southern-style banana cake. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted and cooled (you can also use margarine)
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 4 large bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ¾ cup of buttermilk (you can substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes)
- Optional: 1 cup of chopped walnuts
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately! Baking is a science and kitchen measurements are essential to ensure perfect results.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time for the fun part – making the cake! I’m excited to guide you through this southern-style banana cake recipe step-by-step.
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Firstly, let’s begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add in ½ teaspoon of salt and give it a good mix.
Step 3: Mix wet ingredients
In another large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy.
Add 4 eggs (one at a time) while continuing to beat. Add in 1 ½ cups mashed bananas (about three large bananas), ¼ cup buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Add the prepared dry mixture into the wet mixture slowly, beating until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Add chopped walnuts
Pour in one cup of chopped walnuts and fold them gently into the batter with a spatula.
Step 6: Pour mixture into prepared pan
Pour the entire cake batter into the greased baking pan evenly.
Step 7: Bake for about an hour
Bake the cake for about an hour or until golden brown. After that, use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the cake has fully cooked. If it comes out clean after inserting it to the center of the cake then it is ready.
Step 8: Let cake cool and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool down before slicing it up. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, ice-cream or buttercream frosting. Enjoy your deliciously decadent southern-style banana cake!
Excited to add more flavors? Keep reading my next section to learn some ideas for substitutions and variations!
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s be honest, sometimes we don’t have all the ingredients required for a recipe. That’s why I love to experiment with ingredients and look for substitutions that could add a surprising twist to a classic recipe. Here are some creative and delicious substitutions and variations that you can make to this southern-style banana cake recipe.
– Nuts: Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds. They add a crunchy texture to the cake that goes well with the softness of the bananas.
– Milk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with one cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. You will get a perfect buttermilk substitute that can be used in baking recipes.
– Eggs: If you are out of eggs, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe bananas per egg. This will not only provide moisture to the cake but also add some extra banana flavor.
– Sugar: Instead of using granulated sugar, try using brown sugar or a combination of both. Brown sugar adds an extra layer of richness and chewiness to the cake.
– Flour: If you want to make the cake gluten-free, use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that these flours have different absorption rates so you might need to adjust the quantity accordingly.
– Frosting: Experiment with different frosting flavors such as cream cheese frosting, peanut butter frosting, or even caramel frosting. You can also try making a buttercream frosting with banana pudding mix added to it for an extra banana flavor.
By making some simple substitutions, you can create your own personalized version of this southern-style banana cake recipe. Don’t be afraid to explore and add your own special touch to this classic dessert.
Serving and Pairing
Y’all, let me tell you, this Southern Style Banana Cake Recipe is divine and sure to be the star of any gathering. Once your cake has cooled to room temperature, I recommend serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This pairing will send your taste buds into overdrive, and elevate the flavors in the cake.
Another excellent way to serve this cake is by slicing it up and serving it on a pretty platter with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries or raspberries. The combination of sweet juicy berries with the rich banana flavor in the cake is simply irresistible.
If you want to get really fancy, you can serve individual slices of the cake on decorative plates with a dusting of powdered sugar and some chopped walnuts. And if you’re feeling adventurous and creative, try stacking two layers of banana cake crumbled with vanilla pudding and whipped cream frosting for a deliciously decadent take on a classic Southern dessert.
As for beverages, I recommend serving this cake with a piping hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. For those who prefer something chilled, a tall glass of cold milk or iced tea would make for an excellent choice.
In conclusion, this Southern Style Banana Cake Recipe is versatile enough to be served on casual or formal occasions alike. Its flavors are rich and indulgent, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. You cannot go wrong with this cake as it makes for one deliciously satisfying treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Let me tell you, this Southern Style Banana Cake recipe might just be better the next day once those flavors really meld together. So, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch ahead of time for all my planners out there!
If you want to make the cake ahead of time but keep it fresh, I recommend tightly wrapping it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’re going to store leftovers, simply wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
To reheat your tasty cake, simply transfer it to your microwave and warm each slice for around 10 seconds. You can also gently reheat it in the oven if you prefer, by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heating the cake for around 8-10 minutes.
I have also found that this sweet treat freezes well! If you want to freeze leftover cake or make it ahead of time, I recommend wrapping individual slices tightly with aluminum foil and then popping them into an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen delight, simply thaw it out overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as usual – or enjoy it cold!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specializing in Southern-style cuisine, I know that when it comes to baking, all the details count. To make sure your Southern Style Banana Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
1. Use buttermilk for extra richness and flavor
Buttermilk adds a tangy richness to baked goods that is hard to replicate with any other ingredient. Its acidity also helps activate the leavening agents, making your cake rise higher and stay moist.
2. Add walnuts for crunch and texture
If you want to give your cake some extra texture and nutty flavor, adding chopped walnuts is a must! Sprinkle them over the top or mix them into the batter before baking.
3. Don’t overmix your batter
When it comes to combining your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Over-mixing can cause gluten strands to develop, giving your cake a tough texture. Instead, use a light hand and stir until everything is just combined.
4. Let your bananas get nice and brown before using them
While it may be tempting to reach for perfectly ripe bananas, if you want a truly flavorful and moist cake, let them get nice and brown first! Brown bananas are sweeter and more fragrant than their yellow counterparts, which will give your cake that classic banana flavor.
5. Don’t forget the baking powder and baking soda!
These two ingredients are what make your cake rise properly, so make sure they are fresh and properly measured before adding them to your batter. Too little or too much can affect the texture of your cake.
6. Use room temperature eggs and butter
For best results, take your eggs and butter out of the fridge at least an hour before baking. Room temperature ingredients will blend better together and give you a smoother batter overall.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make a deliciously decadent Southern Style Banana Cake that would make Dolly Parton proud!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this southern style banana cake recipe is perfect for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth with a classic dessert. The combination of moist cake and mashed bananas creates a deliciously decadent treat that is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you are baking for yourself or for a crowd, this recipe is certain to impress.
Remember to be adventurous with your baking and try out different substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own. And best of all, this cake can be converted into a banana split cake or banana pudding cake simply by switching up the ingredients, giving you even more options to play with.
So next time you’re in the mood for some comfort food with a southern flair, why not channel your inner Dolly Parton and give this banana cake recipe a try? I promise it won’t disappoint. Just be sure to have a tall glass of buttermilk or sweet tea nearby to truly embrace that southern charm. Happy baking!
Southern Style Banana Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup butter or 2/3 cup margarine
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 -4 large bananas, mashed
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Have butter and eggs at room temperature. Use large mixing bowl. Beat butter and sugar until light. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Add vanilla. Mash the bananas and add to the mixture. Sift dry ingredients and add to the bowl alternately with the milk. Fold in the chopped nuts.
- Bake in a greased and floured tube pan for 40 to 60 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool on rack.
- (My personal favorite frosting that goes well with this cake: Lemon cream cheese frosting).