Old fashioned Banana Cake – just like Grandma made! This tried and true recipe is a family favorite, and a must have on any dessert table. It’s moist, delicious, and packed with the most amazing banana flavor. So good it doesn’t even need frosting!

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Growing up, there were a few desserts that seemed to be on constant rotation. And my grandma’s Banana Cake was one of them.

It was one of the things my mom always made for birthdays, family gatherings, and holidays… and even back then, it was one of my favorites.

There’s just something about it that makes it absolutely delicious, and I don’t usually say that about frosting-less cakes. But the flavor is so good, and the cake is so moist… that it really doesn’t even need frosting! (and I do not say that lightly…)

It’s easy to make – using everyday baking ingredients – and makes a 9×13 inch cake that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s one of our go to desserts for picnics, parties, and get togethers of any kind.

If you’re looking for the BEST Banana Cake recipe out there, this is it. It’s been tested and approved by countless people of all ages… and it’s one of my family’s most well loved recipes!

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🍌 Ingredients

One of the things I love about this recipe is that you’re likely to have most, if not all, of the ingredients on hand. Since it’s such an old recipe, the measurements are “particular”… but I would recommend sticking to them. Consider it part of the charm.

3/4 c. shortening (I used unsalted butter)
2 5/8 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/8 tsp. salt
2 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. sour milk (or buttermilk)
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. ripe mashed bananas
3/4 c. chopped nuts
3 eggs, unbeaten

📋 Instructions

This is one of the easiest recipes to make, since all you really need to do is measure, mix, and pour. One thing to note: you can substitute butter for the shortening, but I would definitely recommend using unsalted if you do so. I also recommend using the ripest bananas you can find, as they will yield the best flavor!

Preheat oven to 375°.
In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar.
In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients.
Add 3/8 c. milk, half of the dry ingredients and the bananas to the shortening.
Mix to dampen, then mix two minutes at low speed.
Add eggs, nuts, and remaining milk and flour.
Mix one minute at low speed.
Grease 9×13 inch pan; pour batter into pan.
Bake at 375° for 45 minutes.

🍫 Recipe variations

This cake is a classic, and absolutely delicious “as is.” That being said, there are always ways to jazz up a recipe, and here are some of my favorite ideas. Be sure to share yours in the comments!

Stir regular or mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking
Add sliced strawberries or whole blueberries
Top cooled cake with cream cheese frosting
Sprinkle cake with powdered sugar
Reduce mashed banana to 1 cup and add 1 cup shredded zucchini
Omit nuts

🍞 Related recipes

Bananas are one of those things I always seem to have at least a few of… and a few bananas is all you need to make any of these delicious recipes! For any of the baking recipes, it’s best to let them ripen on the counter or a few extra days first.