Sometimes, the best moments happen when the kitchen smells warm and inviting, and you have a simple, satisfying treat to enjoy. This banana cake by Hebbars Kitchen is exactly that kind of dessert — a soft, tender cake that feels like a gentle hug on a quiet afternoon.
Last weekend, I remember pulling a slightly overripe bunch of bananas from the counter, thinking they’d gone too far, but instead of tossing them, I decided to give this recipe a try. The batter was thick and smelled faintly of vanilla and butter, and I was a bit distracted by a phone call while mixing, so I probably mixed it longer than I should have — yet the cake still turned out wonderfully moist. When it came out of the oven, the golden top was a bit uneven, but that made it feel homemade. I cut a slice, and the crumb was soft, with just the right amount of sweetness and banana flavor. It was the kind of cake that invites you to slow down and just savor each bite.
- Moist and tender crumb thanks to ripe bananas and a touch of buttermilk.
- A straightforward recipe that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No frills, just comfort.
- Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, but it’s easy to imagine it disappearing too fast if you’re not careful.
- Because it’s not overly sweet, it pairs well with a cup of tea or a dollop of cream if you feel like elevating it.
If you’re worried about the bananas being too ripe or the batter consistency, don’t be — this recipe is forgiving, and the results are always rewarding.
PrintBanana Cake by Hebbars Kitchen
A moist and flavorful banana cake inspired by Hebbars Kitchen, perfect for a delicious dessert or snack. This easy-to-make cake uses ripe bananas and simple ingredients to create a soft, tender crumb with a hint of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
For this cake, you don’t need special equipment — just a basic mixing bowl and an oven will do. I usually serve it plain, but a little cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a nice touch if you want. Sometimes I swap the buttermilk with yogurt, though I haven’t tested if that changes the texture much. If you want to make it a bit more indulgent, a handful of chocolate chips mixed in before baking can be a nice surprise. Just be mindful not to overmix the batter, even though I admit I sometimes forget!
FAQ
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? You can, but the cake might be slightly less tender. Adding a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk can mimic buttermilk’s effect.
How ripe should the bananas be? The riper, the better — those brown spots mean the bananas are sweeter and mash easily, which helps the cake’s flavor and moisture.
Can I freeze the cake? Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
When you bake this, you might find yourself sneaking a slice before anyone else wakes up. And that’s exactly how it should be.