Peanut Butter Banana Cake

Introduction

When I first decided to bake a Peanut Butter Banana Cake, I was looking for a unique dessert that combined two of my favorite ingredients—bananas and peanut butter. This cake exceeded my expectations in every way! The combination of the rich, nutty peanut butter and the sweet, comforting bananas made for a perfectly moist and flavorful cake. The peanut butter frosting added a decadent touch that made each bite heavenly. My family absolutely loved it. In fact, it was gone in no time! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a delicious treat to enjoy, this Peanut Butter Banana Cake is the perfect choice. It’s a crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to make!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced bananas
• Crushed peanuts
• Drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix again.
• Stir in the mashed bananas until everything is well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

2. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting it.

3. Make the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more cream if needed.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.
• For an added touch, garnish with sliced bananas, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 12 slices (based on a 9×13-inch cake)
• Calories per Serving: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

• As a Dessert: This cake makes an excellent dessert for any meal or gathering.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair a slice of cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
• For a Special Occasion: This cake is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or any special event.
• As a Snack: Enjoy a slice of cake as a satisfying snack any time of the day.
• In Gift Boxes: Package slices of this cake for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips

1. Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be, giving your cake a richer banana taste.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use butter, peanut butter, and eggs that are at room temperature. This ensures a smoother batter.
3. Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add an extra tablespoon or two of cream to loosen it. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
4. Let the Cake Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
5. Use a 9×13 Pan: If you prefer a thicker cake, use a smaller pan or bake the batter in two round cake pans and layer them with frosting in between.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Frosting: Add chopped peanuts to the frosting for an extra crunch.
• Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and peanut butter for a vegan version.
• Banana Chia Cake: Replace some of the flour with ground chia seeds for added texture and nutrition.
• Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the frosting for a sweet touch.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Serve a slice of this cake with a scoop of vanilla or banana-flavored ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• For Brunch: This cake is perfect for brunch with its moist, sweet flavor.
• On a Dessert Table: Display this cake at a party or event for guests to enjoy alongside other treats.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries or a fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
• For Kids’ Parties: The sweet banana and peanut butter flavor is sure to be a hit with kids at birthday parties or playdates.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, but natural peanut butter has a different consistency. If you use it, you may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve the desired thickness.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

3. Can I replace buttermilk with regular milk?
Buttermilk adds a slight tang and moisture to the cake, but you can substitute it with regular milk or make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to ½ cup of milk.

4. How can I make the frosting lighter?
If you want a lighter frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a little more heavy cream to adjust the consistency.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake and frosting a day ahead. Store them separately and assemble the cake just before serving.

6. Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes, feel free to use other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a different flavor and texture.

7. How do I make the cake more moist?
Make sure you use ripe bananas, and don’t overbake the cake. Adding a little extra buttermilk also helps keep the cake moist.

8. Can I use a different frosting flavor?
Yes, you can use a cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or a simple whipped cream frosting if you prefer.

9. How can I make the cake more banana-flavored?
Add a little banana extract to the batter for a stronger banana flavor.

10. Can I decorate the cake with chocolate chips?
Yes, you can sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the frosting or mix them into the cake batter for a chocolate-banana twist.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Banana Cake is the perfect dessert for peanut butter and banana lovers alike. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this cake will be a hit every time. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or share it with friends and family—it’s sure to leave everyone wanting more!

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