Tired of the same old desserts? Craving something easy, delicious, and satisfying? Then look no further! This banana sheet cake recipe is the perfect answer. It's a simple, homemade delight that's perfect for a weeknight treat or a casual weekend gathering. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, offering moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly quick to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade baking with this easy banana sheet cake!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup buttermilk
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in your cake.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also achieve this with a good amount of elbow grease!
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure to mix well after each addition.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
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Stir in the mashed bananas and buttermilk until the batter is smooth. Don't worry about a few little lumps; it adds to the rustic charm of this banana sheet cake.
Baking the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cake – ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
Cooling and Serving:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar, or add your favorite frosting or glaze. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, or a combination of both.
- Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delicious nutty twist.
- A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce adds another layer of decadence.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour or reduce the amount of sugar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-4g
This simple banana sheet cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while showcasing the deliciousness of homemade baking. It's an easy recipe, ideal for quick dinner ideas, and a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!