Ina Garten’s Light Banana Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Banana cake transforms ordinary overripe fruit into a decadent dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

The magic of this sweet treat lies in its ability to rescue forgotten bananas from potential waste.

Rich, moist textures emerge from carefully balanced ingredients that blend harmoniously in a mixing bowl.

Subtle aromatics dance through the kitchen, promising a delightful experience with every slice.

Soft crumb and deep flavor characterize this classic confection that bridges homestyle baking with gourmet sensibilities.

Complex yet approachable, banana cake welcomes both novice and experienced bakers to create something truly memorable.

Unique Twists on Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

• Tropical Paradise Cake: Swap walnuts for toasted coconut flakes and add a splash of rum to the batter for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
• Chocolate Marble Banana Cake: Swirl rich dark chocolate batter into the banana mixture before baking, creating a marbled effect with decadent chocolate notes.
• Nutty Spice Sensation: Incorporate ground cinnamon and chopped pecans into the batter, then top with a cream cheese frosting sprinkled with additional toasted pecans for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Banana Bliss: Replace traditional flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the cake's moisture and rich banana flavor while making it accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Finishing Off with Banana Cake Perfection

Banana cake lovers rejoice!

Ina Garten’s signature recipe brings comfort and nostalgia with each delectable slice.

Southern charm meets culinary expertise in this moist, nutty masterpiece that celebrates simple ingredients.

Cream cheese frosting adds luxurious richness, complementing the banana’s natural sweetness.

Walnut accents provide delightful crunch and depth to each heavenly bite.

Kitchen magic happens when bakers embrace this classic dessert with passion and precision.

Community connection awaits: bake, share, comment below – spark delicious conversations that celebrate sweet moments together!

What Makes Ina Garten’s Banana Cake a Crowd-Pleaser

• Elevate Comfort Baking: This banana cake transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that feels like a warm hug from your favorite baker. Ina Garten's recipe turns simple bananas into a bakery-worthy treat that's both easy and impressive.
• Texture Triumph: The cake delivers a perfect balance of moist, tender crumb with crunchy walnut accents. Sour cream and oil work magic to create an incredibly soft texture that melts in your mouth, while optional chopped walnuts add delightful contrast.
• Quick and Foolproof Method: Designed for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal technical expertise. One-bowl mixing, straightforward ingredients, and simple steps make it accessible for even novice bakers wanting to create something deliciously memorable.
• Versatile Celebration Dessert: Whether you're hosting a casual family gathering or need a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this banana cake shines. Its rich cream cheese frosting and optional walnut decoration elevate it from everyday treat to special occasion centerpiece.

Must-Have Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

• Bananas: Ripe and soft bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Essential for adding depth of sweetness and helping with cake's texture.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile of the cake.
• Orange Zest: Adds a subtle citrusy brightness to the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and forms the base of the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the cake's overall flavor.

• Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy and creamy base for the frosting.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps with frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the frosting flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.

• Walnut Halves: Optional topping for additional crunch and visual appeal.

Whip Up Ina Garten’s Banana Cake Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and dust with flour, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Mash and Mix Bananas

• Ripe bananas
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Mix on low speed until well blended.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest

Blend until ingredients are fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Walnuts

Gently fold chopped walnuts into the batter if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Let cake rest in pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Mix on low speed until just incorporated.

Step 9: Finish the Frosting

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Decorate the Cake

Generously spread frosting over cooled cake. Optionally, garnish with walnut halves for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Clever Tricks for Ina Garten’s Banana Cake

• Maximize Banana Sweetness: Select bananas with dark brown or black spots on the peel to guarantee maximum natural sugar and intense banana flavor.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Stir the batter with a light hand, stopping the moment ingredients are just incorporated to maintain a tender, soft cake crumb.
• Enhance Texture with Nuts: Lightly toast walnuts before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch throughout the cake.
• Perfect Frosting Application: Let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least one hour to prevent condensation and ensure the cream cheese frosting sets smoothly.
• Storage Secret: Wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to two days to preserve moisture and freshness.

Storing Ina Garten’s Banana Cake the Right Way

• Counter Storage: Place cake in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent moisture buildup and maintain freshness for 1-2 days. Perfect for enjoying cake at room temperature.
• Refrigerator Method: Seal cake in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Slip a piece of parchment paper between cake layers to prevent sticking. Consume within 4-5 days for optimal taste and texture. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore soft, tender crumb.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for a convenient make-ahead dessert.