The Old-Fashioned Banana Cake is everything you love about nostalgic baking: moist, tender, and bursting with real banana flavor. The hint of orange zest adds a bright note that perfectly balances the rich sweetness, making each bite memorable.
Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting, this cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, weekend treat, or a just-because bake. Easy to prepare yet elegant in its simplicity, it’s a true Ina Garten classic that never fails to impress.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
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3 very ripe bananas, mashed
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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Grated zest of 1 orange
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Frosting:
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1/2 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
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1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1/2 pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×2-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat together mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
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Once the cake is fully cooled, frost the top evenly and decorate as desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Why Banana Cake Still Matters Today
In an era dominated by viral baking trends and over-the-top dessert creations, the humble banana cake reminds us that some of the best things in life are simple and unpretentious. Its popularity hasn’t waned because it checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and offers that deep banana flavor people love. The cake is also incredibly adaptable — it can be made for everyday snacking, a tea-time treat, or even dressed up for special occasions.
Moreover, banana cake is one of the most effective ways to reduce food waste. Overripe bananas that might otherwise be discarded find new life in this delicious dessert. It’s a practice that’s both economical and environmentally responsible, making this recipe even more valuable in today’s conscious kitchens.
What Makes Ina Garten’s Version Unique
Ina Garten has a knack for creating recipes that feel approachable yet refined, and her Old-Fashioned Banana Cake is no exception. What sets this version apart from others is its delicate use of flavor enhancers like orange zest and sour cream. The orange zest adds a subtle brightness that lifts the banana flavor without overpowering it, while the sour cream contributes moisture and a tender crumb texture.
The cream cheese frosting that tops the cake is another standout component. It’s rich and slightly tangy, a perfect complement to the natural sweetness of the bananas. And because Ina doesn’t overcomplicate the recipe, the resulting cake feels homemade in the best way — honest, rich, and full of soul.
Texture and Taste Experience
When you bite into this banana cake, the first thing you’ll notice is its softness. It’s incredibly moist without being too heavy, which can often be the case with banana-based desserts. The crumb is light, almost melt-in-your-mouth, thanks to the careful combination of fats and dairy in the batter.
Flavor-wise, the bananas take center stage, but they’re supported beautifully by the sweetness of brown sugar, a hint of vanilla, and the citrusy zing from the orange zest. The cream cheese frosting isn’t overly sweet, allowing the tang to shine through and keep the dessert from feeling cloying. The contrast between the warm banana flavor and the cool, creamy topping makes every bite multidimensional and satisfying.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Old-Fashioned Banana Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It pairs wonderfully with a range of beverages, from a strong cup of coffee to a lightly spiced chai latte or even a chilled glass of milk. If you’re serving it as part of a brunch spread, consider pairing it with fresh berries and a mimosa for a more festive touch.
To elevate the presentation, you can garnish the frosted cake with toasted walnuts, banana chips, or a light drizzle of caramel. However, it’s just as delightful served plain, allowing the flavors to shine through on their own.
If you’re preparing the cake in advance, it holds up well in the refrigerator for a few days. In fact, some say it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld.
Occasions to Serve Banana Cake
While banana cake may seem like a casual dessert, it has enough charm to serve on a wide variety of occasions. It’s ideal for family get-togethers, birthdays, picnics, and even small celebrations. Its homey appeal makes it a comforting choice for someone recovering from illness or going through a tough time — it’s like an edible hug.
During the holidays, you can infuse a bit of spice, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to give it a seasonal flair. For spring or summer gatherings, the cake’s light texture and fresh flavor profile make it a refreshing option alongside fruit salads or lemon bars.
Tips for Success
If you’re new to baking or trying this recipe for the first time, here are a few expert tips to ensure success:
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Use very ripe bananas: The darker and spottier the banana skin, the sweeter and more flavorful the fruit inside. These are the best bananas to use for this recipe.
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Don’t overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
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Let it cool completely before frosting: If the cake is even slightly warm, the cream cheese frosting may melt or slide off.
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Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days and can even be frozen (unfrosted) for longer storage.
Banana Cake vs. Banana Bread
It’s worth noting the difference between banana cake and its close cousin, banana bread. While both use bananas as the primary flavoring ingredient, banana bread is denser and usually baked in a loaf pan. It’s less sweet and often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Banana cake, on the other hand, is sweeter, lighter, and designed to be frosted and served as a dessert.
This distinction is important because it changes the expectations of texture and sweetness. If you’re in the mood for something decadent and dessert-like, banana cake is the way to go.
Nutritional Considerations
While it’s undeniably indulgent, Old-Fashioned Banana Cake offers a few redeeming nutritional qualities. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. Using sour cream in the batter adds calcium and probiotics, and because the recipe doesn’t call for an excessive amount of sugar or butter, it’s not as calorific as many frosted cakes.
That said, moderation is key. It’s a dessert best enjoyed as a treat rather than a staple. You can also adapt the recipe to your needs by using low-fat dairy, reducing the sugar slightly, or substituting part of the flour with whole wheat.
Conclusion
Ina Garten’s Old-Fashioned Banana Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and tradition. It represents everything we love about home baking: accessible ingredients, a forgiving method, and a final product that tastes like it was made with love.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is a perfect addition to your repertoire. It’s reliable, flavorful, and always a hit with anyone lucky enough to get a slice. From Sunday brunches to special occasions or quiet evenings at home, it delivers comfort and joy in every bite.
So the next time you find yourself with overripe bananas and a craving for something sweet, skip the banana bread and go for this delightful, frosted creation. Your taste buds — and your loved ones — will thank you.