Banana cake is a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Among the many versions out there, the Sara Lee Banana Cake stands out for its moist texture and rich banana flavor. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a simple afternoon snack.
We love how this recipe combines the best of traditional baking with a few special touches that make it uniquely delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this bakery favorite right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into making a banana cake that’s sure to become a new favorite in our dessert lineup.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Sara Lee Banana Cake, we carefully select a balance of dry, wet, and additional mix-in ingredients. These components work together to produce the cake’s signature moist texture and rich banana flavor.
Dry Ingredients
We start with the essential dry ingredients that form the cake’s structure and flavor base:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for subtle warmth)
Wet Ingredients
Our Sara Lee Banana Cake depends on these wet elements to combine and enrich the batter, keeping it tender and flavorful:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (helps activate the baking soda for extra fluffiness)
Additional Mix-Ins
To elevate the classic banana cake, we add texture and complementary flavors with these mix-ins:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted for enhanced flavor)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
| Ingredient Type | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | All-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, cinnamon | 2 ½ cups, 1 ½ tsp, 1 tsp, ½ tsp, 1 ½ cups, 1 tsp |
| Wet Ingredients | Ripe bananas, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk | 3 bananas, 1 cup, 3 eggs, 2 tsp, ½ cup |
| Additional Mix-Ins | Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips | 1 cup, ½ cup (optional) |
These ingredients combine seamlessly, ensuring every bite of our Sara Lee Banana Cake bursts with flavor and delight.
Tools and Equipment
To bake the perfect Sara Lee Banana Cake, having the right Tools and Equipment is essential. These items ensure precision and ease throughout the preparation and baking process.
Essential Tools
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This size accommodates the batter and helps achieve the classic moist, tender crumb typical of Sara Lee’s signature banana cake.
- Mixing bowls: Use one large bowl for combining dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer: For thorough blending of ingredients, guaranteeing a smooth batter without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements of flour, sugar, baking powder, and liquids are key to reproducing the cake’s ideal texture and flavor.
- Spatula: To scrape down bowl sides and fold in mix-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly, preventing sogginess at the bottom.
Optional But Helpful Equipment
- Sifter: For sifting dry ingredients such as flour and baking powder to avoid clumps.
- Banana masher or fork: Mashes ripe bananas uniformly to release maximum sweetness and aroma.
- Parchment paper: Lines the pan for easy cake removal and cleaner presentation.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×13 inch baking pan | Perfect size for even baking of Sara Lee Banana Cake |
| Mixing bowls | Separate dry and wet ingredients mixing |
| Electric or hand mixer | Ensures smooth uniform batter |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Accuracy in ingredient quantities |
| Spatula | Folding mix-ins and scraping bowl sides |
| Cooling rack | Cooling cake evenly without sogginess |
| Sifter (optional) | Prevents clumpy dry ingredients |
| Banana masher (optional) | Uniformly mashed bananas for flavor |
| Parchment paper (optional) | Easy release and neater baking process |
Quick Tip
“Using an electric mixer on medium speed helps incorporate air into the batter making the cake lighter and fluffier.”
By preparing these tools and equipment beforehand, we streamline the baking journey to create an authentic Sara Lee Banana Cake that lives up to its celebrated moistness and rich flavor.
Prep Work
Before we dive into mixing and baking, a little preparation sets us up for success. Proper prep work ensures our Sara Lee Banana Cake achieves the moist texture and rich flavor we love.
Preparing the Bananas
- Select ripe bananas with a few brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Peel and place the bananas in a bowl.
- Mash thoroughly using a banana masher or fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture.
- Set aside at room temperature to keep moist and ready to blend.
“Using ripe bananas is key to unlocking the moist, flavorful essence of our Sara Lee Banana Cake.”
Preheating the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Position the oven rack in the middle for balanced heat distribution.
- Allow the oven to reach the temperature fully before placing the cake pan inside.
| Oven Temperature | Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Bake Temperature | 350 | 175 |
Preheating is essential for the perfect crumb and texture in our cake.
Greasing the Pan
- Use a 9×13 inch baking pan for this recipe to achieve the ideal cake shape and thickness.
- Apply a thin layer of butter or non-stick spray evenly on the bottom and sides.
- For extra insurance against sticking, lightly dust the greased pan with flour and tap out excess.
- Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to create the perfect Sara Lee Banana Cake with a moist texture and rich flavor.
Mixing the Batter
- In a large bowl sift together the dry ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- In a separate bowl combine the wet ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed until mostly smooth
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the wet ingredients just until combined. This incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use gentle folding motions with a spatula or mix on low speed to avoid overmixing. Overmixing will reduce the cake’s tenderness.
Adding Bananas and Mix-Ins
- Once the batter is smooth and uniform, gently fold in the mashed bananas reserved earlier.
- Add your choice of mix-ins for texture and flavor enhancement:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Carefully fold these into the batter to distribute evenly without deflating the mixture.
Pouring Batter into the Pan
- Prepare your 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray. Optionally, line with parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
Baking Temperature and Time
| Step | Temperature (°F) | Temperature (°C) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preheating | 350 | 175 | — | Oven rack positioned in the middle |
| Baking | 350 | 175 | 45 to 55 minutes | Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean |
Baking Directions
Baking the Sara Lee Banana Cake to perfection requires precise temperature control, timing, and proper cooling techniques. Follow these steps to ensure a moist crumb and rich flavor in every slice.
Oven Temperature and Timing
We preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to create an ideal environment for even baking. The cake should bake for 45 to 55 minutes on the center oven rack. Using the middle rack ensures balanced heat distribution preventing the cake from over-browning or undercooking.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F (175°C) |
| Baking Time | 45 to 55 minutes |
| Oven Rack | Center position |
Checking for Doneness
To check if our Sara Lee Banana Cake is perfectly baked, we insert a clean toothpick into the center of the cake around the 45-minute mark. If the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid a wet batter residue on the toothpick as it indicates more baking time is needed.
Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking and consistent moistness.
Cooling the Cake
Once baked, it’s crucial to cool the cake properly to maintain its signature moist texture. We remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes to allow it to set and slightly firm up. Then we carefully run a knife around the edges and invert the cake onto the rack to cool completely.
Cooling the cake on a wire rack prevents sogginess by allowing air to circulate beneath. This step is essential to preserve the delicate crumb and rich flavor that Sara Lee Banana Cake is celebrated for.
Frosting and Decoration
The finishing touch of the Sara Lee Banana Cake is its frosting and decoration. Choosing the right frosting enhances the cake’s moist texture and rich banana flavor, creating a visually appealing and delicious dessert.
Suggested Frosting Options
We recommend these classic frosting options that perfectly complement the Sara Lee Banana Cake:
- Cream Cheese Frosting
Rich and tangy cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the banana’s natural sweetness. Use softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract. Its smooth texture and slight tang balance the cake’s flavors.
- Whipped Buttercream Frosting
Light and creamy, classic buttercream frosting enhances the cake without overpowering it. Made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of milk or cream, it whips up fluffy and silky.
- Chocolate Ganache
For a decadent twist, a velvety chocolate ganache made by melting semi-sweet chocolate with heavy cream adds richness and depth. This frosting adds a glossy finish and deep chocolate flavor that contrasts the banana.
| Frosting Type | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Suggested Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese Frosting | Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla | Tangy, rich, smooth | Classic option, balances sweetness |
| Whipped Buttercream | Butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, milk/cream | Light, fluffy, creamy | Versatile, traditional topping |
| Chocolate Ganache | Semi-sweet chocolate, heavy cream | Rich, intense, glossy | Decadent finishing touch |
Applying the Frosting
To achieve a polished look with our Sara Lee Banana Cake, follow these steps for applying the frosting:
- Cool Cake Completely
Ensure the cake is fully cooled on a wire rack. Frosting applied on a warm cake will melt and slide off, ruining the texture.
- Prepare the Frosting
Beat the chosen frosting until it is smooth and spreadable. If too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it slightly.
- Crumb Coat Layer
Apply a thin crumb coat layer to trap crumbs. Use an offset spatula to spread a thin layer all over the cake, sealing it in. Chill the cake for 15 minutes to set this layer.
- Final Frosting Layer
Spread the final thick layer of frosting evenly using smooth, gentle strokes. Hold the spatula at a slight angle to create appealing swirls or a smooth finish.
- Decoration
Optionally garnish with:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top
- Banana slices arranged artistically
- Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings for contrast
“The frosting is not just a topping, it’s the crowning glory that enhances every bite of our Sara Lee Banana Cake.”
Using these frosting and decoration tips ensures our cake looks as irresistible as it tastes.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Proper storage is key to preserving the moist texture and rich flavor of our Sara Lee Banana Cake. Here are the best practices to keep your cake fresh and ready to enjoy anytime.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it at room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will maintain the cake’s softness for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. The cake can last for up to 5 days in the fridge. Before serving, bring it to room temperature to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Freezing: To store the cake for more than a week, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature.
| Storage Method | Duration | Storage Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Airtight container or plastic wrap, keep away from sunlight |
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Double wrap in plastic and foil; thaw before serving |
Serving Suggestions
To get the most from our Sara Lee Banana Cake’s luscious flavor, consider these ideas:
- Serve the cake slightly warmed in the microwave for 10-15 seconds; this enhances the aroma and softness.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a delicious contrast.
- Add a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Garnish with toasted walnuts or pecans to complement the cake’s texture.
- Enjoy it alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to balance sweetness with warmth.
“Proper storage and thoughtful serving elevate our Sara Lee Banana Cake from a delightful dessert to an unforgettable experience.”
By following these storage and serving tips, we can ensure every bite of this cake stays as moist and flavorful as the first slice.
Conclusion
Baking the Sara Lee Banana Cake is a rewarding experience that combines simplicity with delicious results. With the right ingredients and careful attention to each step, we can create a moist and flavorful cake that stands out.
Whether for a special occasion or a comforting treat, this recipe offers a versatile dessert option that’s sure to impress. Let’s enjoy the process and savor every bite of this classic favorite together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sara Lee Banana Cake special compared to other banana cakes?
Sara Lee Banana Cake is known for its moist texture and rich flavor, thanks to a balanced mix of ripe bananas, buttermilk, and carefully selected ingredients that create a tender, flavorful cake.
What ingredients are needed to make Sara Lee Banana Cake?
Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, ripe bananas, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and optional additions like nuts or chocolate chips.
What tools do I need to bake Sara Lee Banana Cake?
You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a spatula, and a cooling rack. Optional tools include a sifter, banana masher, and parchment paper.
How should I prepare the bananas for the cake?
Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness. Mash them until mostly smooth and set aside to keep moisture for the batter.
At what temperature and for how long should I bake the cake?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cake for 45 to 55 minutes in the center rack, checking doneness with a toothpick.
How do I know when the banana cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
What frosting options pair well with Sara Lee Banana Cake?
Cream cheese frosting, whipped buttercream, and chocolate ganache are excellent choices that complement the cake’s rich flavor.
How should I store Sara Lee Banana Cake to keep it fresh?
Store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze it for up to three months, ensuring it is properly wrapped or sealed.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips enhances the cake’s texture and flavor.
What are some serving suggestions for Sara Lee Banana Cake?
Warm the cake slightly, serve with ice cream or whipped cream, and garnish with nuts or sauces for an enhanced dessert experience.