Creating a delightful dessert doesn’t always require elaborate steps or specialty ingredients. This Moist Peanut Butter Banana Cake with Caramel Icing strikes a balance between simplicity and satisfaction. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or those quiet moments when comfort food is just what you need. The recipe leans into the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich flavor of peanut butter, making it a practical choice for various occasions. Let’s explore how to bring this comforting cake to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Moist Peanut Butter Banana Cake with Caramel Icing

The ease and reliability of this recipe make it a go-to for those seeking comfort and balanced flavor. The cake offers a delightful pairing of moist banana and the nutty undertone of peanut butter, while the caramel icing adds just the right touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for everyday value, whether for dessert or an afternoon snack.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan
• Saucepan

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas) (adds moisture and natural sweetness)
• ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar (provides deep flavor and moisture)
• 1 large egg (binds ingredients and adds richness)
• ½ cup buttermilk (contributes moisture and tenderness)
• ½ cup smooth peanut butter (enhances flavor and adds moisture)
• ⅓ cup canola oil (helps keep the cake moist)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla essence (adds aromatic flavor)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (provides structure)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps the cake rise)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (provides leavening)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (balances sweetness)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (adds richness)
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar (for icing, adds depth of flavor)
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (contributes to creaminess in the icing)
• Pinch of salt (for icing, enhances flavor)
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for sweetness and texture in icing)
• Flaky salt, for garnish (optional, adds a touch of flavor contrast)

How to Make Moist Peanut Butter Banana Cake with Caramel Icing

Step 1. Start by preheating your oven to a suitable temperature for baking. This step ensures the cake bakes evenly and thoroughly when it goes in. You want to prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly to prevent sticking later on.

Step 2. In a mixing bowl, take the mashed bananas and dark brown sugar. Mix them together until they are well combined. You’re looking for a smooth consistency where the sugar begins to dissolve a bit into the bananas. This creates a sweet base for your cake.

Step 3. Next, add the egg to the banana mixture and continue mixing. Whisk until the egg is fully incorporated, resulting in a uniform texture. This will help bind the ingredients together, contributing to the overall structure of the cake.

Step 4. Pour in the buttermilk and smooth peanut butter, followed by the canola oil and vanilla essence. Mix these wet ingredients thoroughly until everything is blended well. You should have a creamy mixture that smells inviting and has a consistent texture.

Step 5. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, which is important for a light, fluffy cake.

Step 6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter using a rubber spatula. Be mindful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This prevents the cake from becoming tough.

Step 7. Once the batter is ready, transfer it into the prepared baking pan. Spread the batter evenly across the pan to ensure uniform baking. It can be helpful to tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles within the batter.

Step 8. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This visual cue indicates that the cake is properly cooked and ready to be removed from the oven.

Step 9. While your cake cools, prepare the caramel icing. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter along with the packed dark brown sugar and heavy whipping cream over medium heat. Stir gently until the ingredients meld into a creamy, smooth mixture that bubbles slightly.

Step 10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and blend in the sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Whisk until it’s completely smooth and glossy. The icing should have a thick, pourable consistency.

Step 11. Once the cake has cooled, pour the caramel icing over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the surface. Allow the icing to set slightly before cutting into the cake.

Step 12. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt over the icing for an added flavor contrast. This touch can enhance the overall experience of the cake as you enjoy it.

Serving Suggestions

This cake serves wonderfully at breakfast or as an after-school snack. It’s also a great addition to family meals, offering a comforting dessert that can be enjoyed by all. Should you have leftovers, they can easily be stored and enjoyed over the next few days. The cake’s moisture ensures it remains delicious for a while, making it a treat to look forward to.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients to keep the cake light.
• Let the cake cool completely before icing for better adherence of the caramel.
• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the icing based on desired sweetness and thickness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using underripe bananas: This can lead to a less sweet cake. Always opt for very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
2. Overmixing the batter: This creates a tough texture. Mix just until incorporated to keep the cake tender and light.
3. Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can affect the cake’s rise. Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.
4. Skipping the greasing step: If the baking pan isn’t greased, the cake may stick, making it hard to remove. Always grease the pan well.
5. Not cooling the cake before icing: Applying icing to a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off. Allow the cake to cool completely for the best results.
6. Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or buttermilk can affect how well the batter comes together. Use ingredients at room temperature for a smoother texture.

Variations & Substitutions

Consider adding chopped nuts to the batter for extra crunch. Alternatively, chocolate chips can provide a delicious contrast to the peanut butter and banana flavors. For a different approach, you might incorporate a bit of cinnamon into the batter to enhance the warmth of the cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. It’s also fine to freeze the cake; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature and reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds to restore its softness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be baked a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature, and ice it closer to serving time for the best texture.

How long does it last in the fridge?

The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week. Just make sure it’s covered well to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

What can I substitute for one ingredient?

You can swap the heavy whipping cream in the icing with half-and-half for a lighter version, although the texture may differ slightly.

Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?

Common issues include using inadequate bananas or not following mixing instructions. Double-check your ingredients and mixing methods for best results.

Final Thoughts

Making this Moist Peanut Butter Banana Cake with Caramel Icing brings a comforting experience, allowing you to enjoy deeply satisfying flavors with simple ingredients. Each step is straightforward, leading to a treat that feels like a loving embrace on a plate. It’s a recipe that easily fits into everyday life, creating moments of enjoyment without fuss. Embrace the ease of home baking and enjoy sharing this delightful cake with loved ones.

Moist Peanut Butter Banana Cake with Caramel Icing

A delightful and simple dessert featuring the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and rich peanut butter, topped with a creamy caramel icing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cake Ingredients

• 1.5 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas) Adds moisture and natural sweetness
• 0.75 cups packed dark brown sugar Provides deep flavor and moisture
• 1 large egg Binds ingredients and adds richness
• 0.5 cups buttermilk Contributes moisture and tenderness
• 0.5 cups smooth peanut butter Enhances flavor and adds moisture
• 0.33 cups canola oil Helps keep the cake moist
• 2 teaspoons vanilla essence Adds aromatic flavor
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure
• 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cake rise
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda Provides leavening
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt Balances sweetness

See also  Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

Caramel Icing Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds richness
• 0.5 cups packed dark brown sugar For icing, adds depth of flavor
• 0.25 cups heavy whipping cream Contributes to creaminess in the icing
• 1 pinch salt For icing, enhances flavor
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted For sweetness and texture in icing
• Flaky salt, for garnish (optional) Adds a touch of flavor contrast

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to a suitable temperature for baking and grease your baking pan lightly.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and dark brown sugar until well mixed.
• Add the egg to the banana mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
• Pour in the buttermilk, peanut butter, canola oil, and vanilla essence. Mix until everything is blended well.
• In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
• Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix.

Baking

• Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and ensure it is spread evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Making the Icing

• In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter with the dark brown sugar and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring gently.
• Remove from heat and blend in the sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, whisking until smooth.

Assembly

• Once the cake has cooled, pour the icing over the cake and spread evenly.
• Sprinkle flaky salt over the icing if desired.

Notes

Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light. Let the cake cool completely before icing.

Keyword Banana Cake, Caramel Icing, Easy Dessert, Moist Cake, Peanut Butter Cake