Ole Banana Cake: A Sweet, Moist Treat Everyone Will Love

Photo byAngie bright

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about banana cake, a dessert that takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a moist, sweet, and utterly satisfying treat. The Ole Banana Cake is a perfect example of this—bursting with ripe banana flavor, warm notes of cinnamon, and the crunch of pecans. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a special celebration, this cake is bound to steal the spotlight on any dessert table.

A Cake That’s Comforting and Irresistible

Banana cake is often associated with comforting home baking, where familiar aromas fill the kitchen and invite everyone to gather around. This recipe takes that traditional favorite and elevates it with a few extra touches, such as a velvety banana frosting that complements the cake’s tender crumb perfectly. The addition of pecans provides a delightful texture contrast, while the cinnamon adds a hint of warmth that ties all the flavors together.

What’s more, this Ole Banana Cake is surprisingly easy to make, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can still whip up a cake that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery. The real secret lies in using ripe bananas for maximum flavor, along with a well-balanced frosting that combines creamy butter with a burst of banana extract for an extra punch of flavor.

The Recipe: Ole Banana Cake

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup bananas, mashed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, plus extra for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray three 8-inch or 9-inch round baking pans with PAM Original Cooking Spray.
2. In a small bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, then add the vegetable oil and whisk until well combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture.
5. Gently stir in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and pecans.
6. Evenly divide the batter between your three prepared cake pans.
7. Bake the cakes for 21 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling and frosting.

For the Banana Frosting:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup ripe banana, mashed (about 1 medium banana)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons banana extract (depending on how strong you want the flavor)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• About 3.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, mashed banana, vanilla extract, banana extract, and lemon juice.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, and mix until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
3. Once the cakes have cooled completely, begin to assemble them. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly on top.
4. Repeat with the next layer of cake and frosting, finishing with the final layer of cake. Frost the outside of the cake using an offset spatula to ensure a smooth and even finish.
5. Garnish the top of the cake with extra pecans if desired.

A Sweet Ending

The Ole Banana Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of comfort, a reminder of simpler times when homemade cakes brought families together. With its moist, flavorful crumb and creamy banana frosting, it’s the kind of cake that feels familiar yet indulgent, perfect for any occasion. Whether served at a birthday party, holiday dinner, or casual weekend gathering, this cake is sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves banana-flavored treats.

Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, or share it with loved ones for a sweet moment of togetherness.

Sources:

1. Betty Crocker – Banana Cake Recipe
2. Southern Living – Banana Nut Cake
3. Allrecipes – Banana Frosting