Peanut Butter Banana Cake

If you’re a fan of peanut butter and banana, this Peanut Butter Banana Cake recipe is the ultimate treat you need to try. It combines the richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress. Here’s how you can make this deliciously moist and flavorful Peanut Butter Banana Cake at home.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Frosting: While the cake is cooling, prepare the peanut butter frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
6. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. You can also garnish the cake with sliced bananas, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor and decoration.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Banana Cake

• Use Ripe Bananas: The key to a moist banana cake is using ripe bananas. Overripe bananas are the sweetest and best for mashing into the cake batter.
• Peanut Butter Variety: You can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your preference. For a chunkier texture, go with crunchy peanut butter.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This Peanut Butter Banana Cake is a delightful fusion of two classic flavors: the creamy richness of peanut butter and the natural sweetness of banana. The cake itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the bananas, and pairs perfectly with the velvety peanut butter frosting. Whether you’re a peanut butter enthusiast or a banana lover, this cake delivers the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a unique dessert to serve at your next gathering or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this Peanut Butter Banana Cake is a must-try. With its rich flavors, moist texture, and easy-to-follow recipe, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Get ready to savor every bite of this scrumptious cake and share it with friends and family. Happy baking!

Serving and Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Banana Cake

Serving Tips:

1. Perfect Pairings: This Peanut Butter Banana Cake is a delicious dessert on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the cake before serving.
2. Portion Control: Since this cake is quite rich and flavorful, consider slicing it into smaller portions to make it last longer, especially if you’re serving it at a gathering. You can also cut it into squares for a more casual, bite-sized presentation.
3. Chill Before Serving: If you want the frosting to set perfectly, refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before serving. This will help the frosting firm up and make each slice neat and clean.
4. Garnishing Ideas: Top the cake with sliced bananas for a fresh and fruity touch. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a dusting of cocoa powder can add texture and enhance the cake’s flavor profile.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is sealed properly to maintain its moisture.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the Peanut Butter Banana Cake in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. The cool temperature will also help keep the frosting firm.
3. Freezing: This cake freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, allow the cake to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. For best results, frost the cake after it has thawed.
4. Frosting Consideration: If you’re freezing the cake, it’s best to freeze the cake and frosting separately. Frost the cake once it’s completely thawed for the best texture and flavor.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Peanut Butter Banana Cake fresh, flavorful, and ready for any occasion!

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter in this recipe? Yes, you can! While the recipe calls for creamy peanut butter, you can substitute it with chunky peanut butter for added texture. The chunks of peanuts will give the frosting and cake an extra crunch, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

2. Can I substitute the buttermilk in the recipe? If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk or a milk substitute (such as almond or oat milk). To mimic buttermilk, you can also add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill it with milk to the ½ cup line. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before adding it to the batter.

3. How ripe should the bananas be for this cake? For the best flavor and texture, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. Overripe bananas are sweeter, softer, and mash easily, which contributes to the moistness of the cake. The riper the bananas, the more intense the banana flavor in the cake.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! This Peanut Butter Banana Cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Simply bake and allow the cake to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it. Frost the cake just before serving for the best texture, or frost it ahead of time if you prefer.

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