Peanut Butter Banana Cake: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It

Name: Peanut Butter Banana Cake: 7 Reasons You'll Love It
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter; 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 ripe bananas); 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 28, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Peanut Butter Banana Cake! This cake is like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet, ripe bananas creates such an incredible flavor that you might just find yourself going back for seconds—or thirds! The moist texture is pure bliss, making it perfect for any gathering or just a comforting treat at home.

Peanut Butter Banana Cake - detail 1

I’ll never forget the first time I made this cake. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I was searching for something to lift my spirits. I had some overripe bananas sitting on the counter, and I thought, “Why not?” I whipped up the batter, and as the cake baked, the aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping me in nostalgia of my childhood. My family would come running in, drawn by the irresistible smell, and before I knew it, we were gathered around the table, sharing slices topped with a hint of chocolate frosting. That moment reminded me of the joy food can bring, and I knew this Peanut Butter Banana Cake would become a beloved staple in my home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand the magic too!

Ingredients List

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 ripe bananas)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk

How to Prepare Peanut Butter Banana Cake

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’re going to want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is non-negotiable! Preheating ensures that your cake will bake evenly and rise to perfection. No one likes a sunken cake, right? So let that oven warm up while you prep the batter.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Now, grab a mixing bowl and add your 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of mashed bananas, and 1 cup of sugar. Using a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer, blend these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want a lovely, uniform consistency—this should take about 2-3 minutes. The smell will be heavenly, I promise! You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t see any lumps of banana or peanut butter.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Next up, add in the 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. This should only take about a minute of mixing. You want to see that beautiful golden color, which means your wet ingredients are ready to go!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. It’s important to combine these ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumps of baking soda later on. You can use a fork or a whisk—whatever’s handy! This step is super quick, just about a minute or two.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now it’s time for the fun part! Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup of milk. Start with a scoop of the dry mix, then splash in some milk, and keep mixing until everything is just combined. This method helps keep the batter smooth and prevents it from becoming too dense. You want to stop mixing as soon as you see no more flour streaks—overmixing is a common pitfall!

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan (I like to use a round 9-inch pan for this). Make sure the batter is evenly spread out. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell incredible during this time; just try not to peek too often!

Cooling Time

Once your cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial! Allowing it to cool slightly makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; you don’t want to frost a warm cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip up this delicious cake in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert or a cozy weekend baking session.
Moist Texture: Thanks to the combination of peanut butter and ripe bananas, this cake is incredibly moist and stays fresh for days. No one likes a dry cake, right?
Rich Flavor: The blend of peanut butter and banana creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying. Each bite is a delightful treat!
Healthy Ingredients: With wholesome ingredients like bananas and peanut butter, you can feel good about indulging in this cake. It’s a sweet way to enjoy some nutrition too!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Peanut Butter Banana Cake turns out absolutely perfect! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that can elevate your baking game and ensure every slice is delightful.

Quality Ingredients Matter

First things first, always use high-quality peanut butter. I prefer natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils—it gives a richer flavor and a better texture. It’s worth it! And when it comes to bananas, the riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; they’re sweeter and will add so much moisture to your cake.

Room Temperature Eggs

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before you mix them in. This helps them blend more smoothly into the batter and gives your cake that lovely rise. Just take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Don’t Overmix!

When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until you see no more flour streaks. A few lumps are okay—remember, we’re going for a tender crumb here!

Check for Doneness

Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! If it’s wet batter, give it a couple more minutes.

Cool the Cake Properly

Don’t rush the cooling process! Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart. Plus, a cool cake is much easier to frost if you decide to add that chocolate frosting on top!

With these tips in your back pocket, I just know your Peanut Butter Banana Cake will be a hit. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious Peanut Butter Banana Cake, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to keep that wonderful moistness intact. Here’s what I do:

First, let the cake cool completely if you haven’t already. Then, slice it into individual portions and store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the cake fresh and prevents it from drying out. If you’re worried about it getting squished, you can wrap each slice in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. Trust me, nobody wants a sad, dry cake!

For short-term storage, your cake can sit at room temperature for about 2-3 days. Just make sure it’s in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. If you want to keep it longer, pop that airtight container in the fridge, and it should last for about a week. You might notice it gets even tastier as the flavors meld over time!

If you find yourself craving a slice after it’s been in the fridge, don’t worry—reheating is super simple! Just take a slice and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm it up nicely without making it too hot. If you prefer a slightly crispy edge, you can also place a slice in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. You’ll love how it brings back that freshly baked goodness!

Remember, whether you’re enjoying it warm or at room temperature, your Peanut Butter Banana Cake is sure to bring a smile to your face!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional information for each serving of this delightful Peanut Butter Banana Cake. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 5g

This cake combines the goodness of bananas and peanut butter, making it not just a treat but also a source of some beneficial nutrients. Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you’re indulging in something that’s both tasty and relatively wholesome!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend using natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. It gives the cake a rich flavor and a lovely texture. Just make sure to stir it well before measuring, as the oil can separate.

Q2. What can I substitute for eggs if I want to make this cake vegan?
Great question! You can use flax eggs as a substitute. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. For this recipe, you’ll need 2 flax eggs to replace the 2 regular eggs.

Q3. How do I know when the Peanut Butter Banana Cake is done?
You’ll want to keep an eye on the cake as it bakes! Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven. If you see wet batter, give it a couple more minutes.

Q4. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Oh, yes! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to this Peanut Butter Banana Cake. Just fold in about ½ to 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter right before you pour it into the pan. It’ll add a delightful surprise in every bite!

Q5. How do I store the cake if I have leftovers?
To keep your Peanut Butter Banana Cake fresh, let it cool completely, then slice it and store it in an airtight container. It will stay good at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge, and it should last about a week. Just make sure to reheat it for that freshly baked taste!