Grandma’s Treasured Recipes Are Delicious: Brown Butter Banana Cake

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A soft, moist banana cake made extra special with rich, nutty brown butter. This comforting homemade cake is full of sweet banana flavor and topped with a luscious frosting. Perfect for family gatherings, tea time, or whenever you crave a classic dessert.

🧁 INGREDIENTS

For the Brown Butter Banana Cake:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Brown the Butter:
    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Batter:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan.
    In a large bowl, mix the browned butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth.
  3. Add Bananas:
    Stir in the mashed bananas until fully combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Mix Together:
    Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in sour cream until smooth. Do not overmix.
  6. Bake:
    Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool & Frost:
    Let cake cool completely before frosting.
    For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread over cooled cake.

💡 TIPS

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • Don’t skip browning the butter — it adds a deep, caramel-like taste.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For extra texture, add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
  • This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

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