Grandma’s Secret Banana Cake Recipe: Old-Fashioned and Delicious

Grandma’s banana cake is a classic. It has been passed down for generations. This old-fashioned recipe is like a family treasure, ensuring a tasty treat in each slice.

What makes this cake special? Its key ingredient is rich, ripe bananas. These bananas are very sweet. You can freeze them, keeping the most important part of this recipe ready for when you want to bake.

This cake is also made moist and delicious with buttermilk. It gives a nice tang to the cake. Instant Clearjel keeps it from drying out, making the cake soft and moist.

The recipe uses a unique two-bowl method. By combining dry and wet ingredients separately, the cake gets the best taste and texture. This also makes the cake beautiful if you like layering.

Don’t throw away those extra cake pieces. You can make lovely truffles from them. It’s a great way to add something special to your cake.

Start a special tradition by baking Grandma’s banana cake. This delightful dessert is more than just a treat. It carries memories of sweet home baking.

How to Make Grandma’s Banana Cake

Ready to bake a banana cake that will make everyone want more? This guide will show you Grandma’s beloved recipe. Prepare to enjoy a slice of heaven!

Gather the Ingredients

First, ensure you have everything:

3 ripe bananas
1 cup of water or banana juice
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
½ teaspoon of salt
1 cup of buttermilk
½ cup of melted butter
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
3 large eggs

Prepare the Banana Puree

Use a blender to mix bananas and water until smooth. This creates a banana puree.

Create the Cake Batter

Mix flour, sugar, powder, soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, butter, vanilla, and eggs. Combine the wet and dry mixes until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two cake pans. Pour the batter in and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

While the cake bakes, make Grandma’s cream cheese frosting. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, put them on a rack to cool completely.

Assemble the Cake

Now it’s cake assembly time! Put cream cheese frosting between the layers and on top. Add banana slices or nuts for decoration.

Sweet Success!

Well done on baking Grandma’s amazing banana cake! Let it cool in the fridge for a few hours before cutting. Enjoy every bite of this tasty, moist cake at any event. It’s sure to be a hit!

Enjoying Grandma’s Banana Cake

Having a slice of Grandma’s banana cake feels like a taste of the past. It’s a recipe that’s been a favorite over the years. The cake’s smooth texture and banana taste take us back to happy times in Grandma’s kitchen.

This cake is perfect any time of day. It’s great for breakfast, as a snack, or after dinner. Each bite brings joy, reminding us of the happiness found in simple, homemade food.

For the best taste, try waiting a day or two after baking before eating. This time makes the flavors mix even better. It also makes the air smell like sweet bananas, adding to the excitement of eating it.

Grandma’s cake means more than good food. It’s about sharing moments and memories with family, especially older family members. Eating this cake connects us to the past, keeping traditions and love alive.

FAQ

Can I use bananas that are not fully ripe to make Grandma’s banana cake?

For Grandma’s banana cake, ripe bananas work best. They give the cake a strong, sweet banana taste. If your bananas aren’t ripe, put them in a brown bag. Let them get ripe at room temperature for a few days.

Can I freeze the bananas for later use?

Yes, freezing bananas is okay until you need them. First, peel the bananas. Put them in a bag that’s safe for the freezer. Then, freeze them. Remember to thaw the bananas before adding them to any recipe.

What are the key ingredients for the moistness of the cake?

Buttermilk and Instant Clearjel are vital for making Grandma’s banana cake moist. They work together to keep the cake soft and moist.

What are the two-bowl method and the cut and stack method mentioned in the recipe?

The two-bowl method is a simple way to prepare ingredients. You mix wet ones in one bowl and dry ones in another. The cut and stack method is about how you assemble the cake. This method layers the cake with frosting in between.

What can I do with leftover cake scraps?

Making banana truffles is a great way to use cake scraps. Just crumble the cake. Mix it with cream cheese frosting. Shape it into balls. Then, cover them in melted chocolate.

How do I make the cream cheese frosting for Grandma’s banana cake?

To prepare the frosting, first, beat cream cheese and butter together. Add sugar and vanilla slowly, mixing well. This frosting is then used to layer and cover the cake.

What are some serving suggestions for Grandma’s banana cake?

Grandma’s banana cake is a great treat any time. It’s good with morning coffee or for a sweet lunch. Eating it after dinner is also perfect. For the best taste, you could even let it rest for a day or two first.

Why is it important to cherish family traditions and pass down recipes?

Keeping family traditions and sharing recipes keeps our history alive. It helps us feel close to family and remember good times. Making and sharing Grandma’s banana cake can bring happiness. It’s a way to connect, especially with older family members.