Banana Cake with Brown Butter Icing is a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the natural sweetness and moist texture of ripe bananas with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter.
This Banana Cake with Brown Butter Icing offers a perfect balance between light and fluffy layers and the deep, caramelized taste of the brown butter icing.
The cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the mashed bananas that keep it tender and flavorful.
The brown butter icing, with its slightly toasted, sweet, and savory notes, complements the banana flavor perfectly, creating a truly irresistible treat..
Topped with a smooth, glossy layer of brown butter icing, this cake becomes a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s a sure way to impress family and friends with something special.
Why I Love This Banana Cake With Brown Butter Icing
I love this Banana Cake with Brown Butter Icing because it combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweetness of cake in the most delightful way.
The process of browning the butter adds a deep, caramelized taste that elevates the entire dessert, making it feel both comforting and gourmet.
The smooth, velvety brown butter icing complements the cake perfectly, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.
It’s a simple yet extraordinary treat that never fails to impress, and the aroma of the browned butter while baking is simply irresistible.
This Banana Cake with Brown Butter Icing is the perfect mix of indulgence and warmth, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
How To Prepare Banana Cake With Brown Butter Icing?
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per slice (depending on serving size)
- Yield: 10 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spatula
- 9×9-inch baking pan or round cake pans
- Small saucepan (for browning butter)
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
For the Brown Butter Icing:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (add more if needed for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Cake with Brown Butter Icing
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan (9×9 inches or two round pans). In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients (sour cream and milk) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts (save a few for topping).
2. Bake the Cake:
1. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
3. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Brown Butter Icing:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Once the brown butter has cooled, whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
4. Assemble the Cake:
1. Once the cake has cooled, spread the brown butter icing generously over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
2. Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious banana cake with brown butter icing!
Special Notes
❖ Banana Ripeness: For the best results, use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. These will give the cake a natural sweetness and add extra moisture.
❖ Brown Butter: Don’t rush the brown butter process. It can quickly go from golden to burnt if you’re not careful, so keep an eye on it. If you accidentally burn the butter, you may need to start over with fresh butter.
❖ Icing Consistency: If you prefer a thicker frosting, reduce the milk in the icing. On the other hand, if you’d like a more glaze-like finish, increase the amount of milk for a thinner texture.
❖ Storing: This cake stays moist for a few days if stored in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it if you want it to last a bit longer, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.
What Is The Best Serving Ideas
For the best serving ideas, pair your banana cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Top each slice with sliced bananas to enhance the flavor, or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
This cake also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. For a refreshing twist, serve with a side of fruit compote to balance the richness of the cake.
How To Decorate Banana Cake With Brown Butter Icing
To decorate your banana cake with brown butter icing, spread the icing evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula for a smooth, glossy finish.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top, letting them gently fall over the edges. You can also garnish with a few fresh banana slices for a vibrant touch.
For a polished look, pipe the icing in decorative swirls around the edges or center. The warm, nutty flavor of the brown butter icing pairs beautifully with these simple, yet elegant toppings.
Variations
1. Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the banana cake batter for a rich, chocolatey twist that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
2. Cinnamon Spice: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
3. Cream Cheese Icing: Swap the brown butter icing with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a slightly different taste that pairs perfectly with banana.
4. Banana-Nut Swirl: Instead of just adding chopped walnuts to the batter, swirl some crushed walnuts and banana slices into the cake for added texture and flavor.
5. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top of the iced cake for an indulgent, sweet finish.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover cake with brown butter icing, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help keep the cake fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Store it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
Before serving, let it come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. For even longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Here Are Some Butter Recipes You Might Enjoy
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Butter Pecan Cake Cookies [Cake Mix]
How to Make Apple Butter Cake Recipes
Keto Kentucky Butter Cake – Low-Carb Delight
Conclusion
A Banana Cake With Brown Butter Icing is a truly special dessert that brings together rich, complex flavors and a delightful texture.
The brown butter adds a unique twist, transforming a simple cake into an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress with its warmth, depth of flavor, and beautiful finish.
With its combination of sweetness and nutty undertones, it’s a perfect way to create lasting memories and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Indulge in the deliciousness of a cake with brown butter icing, and you’ll have a dessert that’s both comforting and extraordinary.
Banana Cake With Brown Butter Icing
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spatula
- 9×9-inch baking pan or round cake pans
- Small saucepan (for browning butter)
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas about 1 cup mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts plus extra for topping
For the Brown Butter Icing:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk add more if needed for desired consistency
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan (9×9 inches or two round pans). In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients (sour cream and milk) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts (save a few for topping).
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Brown Butter Icing:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Once the brown butter has cooled, whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the brown butter icing generously over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious banana cake with brown butter icing!