Description
This classic Banana Pound Cake recipe combines ripe mashed bananas with a rich buttery batter, delivering a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Topped with a luscious brown sugar glaze and optional walnuts for added texture, this cake is easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection in a bundt pan.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 ¼ cups brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups butter, room temperature
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-5 ripe bananas, mashed
- Optional: ½ cup walnuts, chopped
Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare pan and oven: Thoroughly grease a 10-inch bundt pan to prevent sticking and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream sugar and butter: In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar and room temperature butter, stirring until smooth and well blended. This forms the base of your batter.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition for a smooth batter.
- Add flavorings and bananas: Stir in the vanilla extract followed by the mashed bananas, mixing until the batter is smooth and consistent.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the optional walnuts if desired.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, half and half, and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Glaze the cake: Allow the glaze to cool for about 5 minutes, then drizzle it over the cooled cake evenly for a glossy, sweet finish.
Notes
- Make sure the bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- The glaze can be made ahead and reheated gently before drizzling.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts entirely.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure smooth mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American