Banana pound cake is a comforting and delicious treat, and pairing it with the right accompaniments can take it to the next level. For a classic indulgence, vanilla ice cream is the perfect companion. 

The creamy, cool texture melts beautifully over a warm slice of cake, creating a heavenly combination. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, whipped cream paired with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries adds a refreshing contrast to the dense, rich cake. 

The creaminess of the whipped topping and the burst of fruit provide a balanced and vibrant complement. For a cozy touch, a steaming cup of nutty coffee pairs wonderfully with banana pound cake. 

The light, nutty notes of the coffee offer a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cake, making it a great choice for a relaxing afternoon treat.

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Now, this isn’t just any old recipe; this is the best ever banana pound cake. As someone who has baked and tasted many variations, I can confidently say this one reigns supreme. 

It’s a family favorite, a crowd-pleaser, and an unbeatable way to use those overripe bananas languishing on your counter. I’ve spent countless weekends perfecting this recipe and can guarantee that you’ll want to share it with everyone you know.

Banana pound cake is rich, moist, and flavorful, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a Sunday brunch, or simply a rainy day treat, this cake checks off all the boxes.

Most importantly, it draws on simple ingredients and straightforward techniques to create a cake that’ll make you feel like a master baker, even if you’re just starting out. 

So, roll up your sleeves and let’s bring this delightful dish to life together!

Why This Recipe Works?

Let’s take a moment to appreciate why this particular banana pound cake stands out from the rest. Here are four compelling reasons that make this recipe a five-star hit:

1. Perfectly Ripe Bananas: The foundation of any great banana dish is ripe bananas. Using overly ripe ones ensures maximum sweetness and robust flavor. You shouldn’t shy away from those brown-spotted beauties; they are your best friends here.

2. Balanced Ingredients: This recipe features a harmonious mix of moist ingredients like butter and eggs paired with dry elements such as flour and baking powder. This balance creates a texture that’s perfectly dense yet melt-in-your-mouth tender.

3. Enhanced Flavor Profile: Adding cinnamon and dark brown sugar brings an unexpected depth to the cake. The warm hints from the cinnamon and the caramel notes from the brown sugar elevate the ordinary into the exceptional.

4. Simple Techniques: You don’t need to be a pro to nail this recipe. With just a few steps you can mix, pour, and bake your way to banana pound cake perfection. The clear instructions mean less stress, and more delicious results.

How Does It Taste?

Imagine cutting into a freshly baked loaf. As you slice through, the crumb is tender and fluffy. The taste? 

It’s pure bliss. The first bite delivers that rich banana flavor, followed by a subtle warmth from the cinnamon. The dark brown sugar enriches the sweetness, creating a delightful balance. 

Add in the crunch of walnuts, and you’ve got texture that dances on your palate. Every forkful is a comforting hug.

What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Variations?

Many banana cake recipes call for basic ingredients and can often result in something overly sweet or too dense. In this recipe, I utilize a combination of techniques and components that make it unique. 

For example, the use of both baking powder and baking soda eliminates any risk of a flat structure while the incorporation of whipped eggs makes the batter more aerated. This results in a lighter, fluffier cake that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for texture. 

Plus, the rich glaze made from maple syrup and heavy cream adds an indulgent shine and flavor boost that’s hard to beat.

The Ingredients

Here’s what you need to get started on our best ever banana pound cake:

For the Cake:

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 3/4 cups)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

For the Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow along step-by-step to create this incredible cake.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch loaf pan or use parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash Bananas

In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the dark brown sugar. Mix it together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take around 3-5 minutes. The air incorporated during this step is crucial for a light texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each one before adding the next. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk together to combine.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed bananas. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped walnuts at this point.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be a beautiful golden brown when done.

Step 8: Cool

Once baked, allow the cake to sit in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter with the dark brown sugar over low heat. 

Stir in the maple syrup and heavy whipping cream. When it’s fully combined, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.

Notes

Here are some handy tips to elevate your baking game:

• Always Use Ripe Bananas: They should be very speckled or even brown. These bananas provide maximum sweetness.
  
• Room Temperature Eggs: Bringing your eggs to room temperature can help create a smoother batter.
  
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so mix just until you no longer see any dry flour.
  
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: If you glaze the cake while it’s still warm, the glaze might just drip right off. You want it to set perfectly on top.
  
• Store Properly: This cake keeps well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition Information

Best ever banana pound cake recipe nutrition facts

How Do You Store the Best Ever Banana Pound Cake?

Storing banana pound cake is a piece of cake! Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. 

You can keep it at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy it later, it also freezes well. Just slice the cake, wrap each piece tightly, and place it in an airtight container before freezing.

Sides for Best Ever Banana Pound Cake

Pair your delicious cake with these sides for the ultimate experience:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright assortment of seasonal fruits makes a refreshing contrast. Strawberries, blueberries, and mint create a delightful pairing.

2. Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of brewed coffee, rich with flavor, cuts through the sweetness. Herbal or green tea provides a lighter alternative, perfect for afternoon treats.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Combine Greek yogurt with layered banana slices and a drizzle of honey. This adds a creaminess that complements the banana flavors beautifully.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?

Not all kitchens are stocked with every ingredient. Here are some alternatives:

1. Butter: Coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce can replace butter for a slightly different texture and flavor.

2. Dark Brown Sugar: If you don’t have dark brown sugar, light brown sugar will work too, or you can make your own by mixing white sugar with molasses.

3. Walnuts: If nuts aren’t your thing (or you have allergies), try using chocolate chips for a delightful twist.

4. Eggs: You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan version. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) per egg.

Pamela Dunlap

Best Ever Banana Pound Cake Recipe

Banana pound cake is a comforting and delicious treat, and pairing it with the right accompaniments can take it to the next level. For a classic indulgence, vanilla ice cream is the perfect companion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 449

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Cake:

• 4 ripe bananas mashed (about 1 3/4 cups)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs room temperature
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

For the Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment

• Oven

Method

 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch loaf pan or use parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash Bananas

1. In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the dark brown sugar. Mix it together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take around 3-5 minutes. The air incorporated during this step is crucial for a light texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

1. Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each one before adding the next. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk together to combine.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed bananas. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped walnuts at this point.

Step 7: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be a beautiful golden brown when done.

Step 8: Cool

1. Once baked, allow the cake to sit in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

1. While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter with the dark brown sugar over low heat.
2. Stir in the maple syrup and heavy whipping cream. When it’s fully combined, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 449kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 5gFat: 20.4gSaturated Fat: 12.1gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 368mgFiber: 1gSugar: 59g

Notes

Here are some handy tips to elevate your baking game:

• Always Use Ripe Bananas: They should be very speckled or even brown. These bananas provide maximum sweetness.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Bringing your eggs to room temperature can help create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so mix just until you no longer see any dry flour.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: If you glaze the cake while it’s still warm, the glaze might just drip right off. You want it to set perfectly on top.
• Store Properly: This cake keeps well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There you have it! This banana pound cake is an ideal treat that combines all the charm of home baking with fantastic flavors. With ripe bananas and a handful of simple ingredients, you’re on your way to creating something truly special. 

The inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone in the house curious about what’s baking.

So gather your ingredients and jump into making this delightful cake today! You won’t regret it. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share a slice or two! Happy baking!

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