Peanut Butter Banana Cake

This Peanut Butter Banana Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its moist banana layer and creamy peanut butter frosting, this cake stands out in flavor and texture. It’s an easy recipe that suits gatherings, birthdays, or just a sweet treat at home. The chocolate ganache swirl adds a delightful finish, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This cake comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
• Flavor explosion: The combination of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate creates a deliciously rich taste.
• Versatile serving options: Perfect for celebrations or as a cozy dessert after dinner.
• Moist texture: The ripe bananas keep the cake incredibly moist and tender.
• Kid-friendly: A delightful treat that children will love, making it great for family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this cake successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer
• 9-inch round cake pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer: This tool ensures your batter is smooth and well-mixed in no time.

Ingredients

This One Layer Peanut Butter Banana Cake features a moist banana layer cake that is smothered with a peanut butter cream cheese frosting and chocolate ganache swirl.

For the Cake

• 2 large banana, very ripe (about 1 cup, mashed) (see notes)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk (see notes)
• 1½ cups all purpose flour
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Frosting

• 4 oz. cream cheese, cold (block, full fat)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1½ cups powdered sugar

For the Ganache

• 2 oz. chocolate chips
• 2 oz. heavy cream

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for your cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
2. Add melted butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the bananas. Mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Frost

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 5: Make Peanut Butter Frosting

1. In a bowl using an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese and room temperature butter until smooth.
2. Add peanut butter and salt; mix until well blended.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until you achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
2. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl; let sit for one minute before stirring until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Frost the cooled cake with peanut butter frosting evenly on top. Drizzle chocolate ganache over the frosting for added flavor and decoration.

Enjoy your delightful Peanut Butter Banana Cake with family and friends!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cake

Serving your Peanut Butter Banana Cake can elevate the dessert experience. This cake is rich and flavorful, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance its deliciousness.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Strawberries – Their sweetness complements the banana flavor.
• Chilled Berries – A mix of blueberries and raspberries adds a refreshing touch.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic choice that pairs beautifully with the cake’s richness.
• Dairy-Free Ice Cream – For a vegan option, coconut or almond-based ice creams work well.

Drizzle with Additional Sauces

• Chocolate Sauce – A warm drizzle enhances the chocolate ganache swirl.
• Caramel Sauce – Adds a sweet contrast to the peanut butter frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Cake

Pairing side dishes with Peanut Butter Banana Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Whipped Coconut Cream – Light and airy, this adds a tropical twist to your dessert.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips – Crunchy and sweet, they provide a fun textural contrast.
3. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cake.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola offers a creamy texture that complements the cake.
5. Nutty Granola – Adds crunch and pairs well with the peanut butter flavor.
6. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels – Sweet and salty bites that make for an irresistible snack alongside your cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Peanut Butter Banana Cake can be delightful, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using underripe bananas: Underripe bananas do not provide the necessary sweetness and moisture. Always use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Ensure all your ingredients, like eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined to keep your Peanut Butter Banana Cake light and fluffy.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes and use a toothpick to check for doneness instead of relying solely on time.
• Not letting it cool completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Allow your cake to cool fully before adding the peanut butter cream cheese frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap the cake in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Peanut Butter Banana Cake so special?

This Peanut Butter Banana Cake combines rich flavors of banana and peanut butter with creamy frosting, making it an indulgent dessert that everyone loves.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can use almond milk instead of buttermilk or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for different flavor profiles while keeping it delicious.

How do I make this Peanut Butter Banana Cake gluten-free?

To make this cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add texture to your frosting and enhance the overall flavor of the Peanut Butter Banana Cake.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Banana Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips if desired. Give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a family favorite!