If you have a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter and you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug, you’re in for a real delight. This Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe combines layers of light, fluffy banana cake with a rich, nutty brown butter frosting that’s simply irresistible. The way the sweet banana flavor perfectly blends with the toasty brown butter frosting makes this dessert a standout for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to celebrations with friends. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows different baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two white bowls filled with powdered sugar and flour at the top left, four sticks of butter placed in a grid near the center right, and a small white bowl of sugar at the bottom right. Next to the butter are two ripe bananas with brown spots. A bright pink measuring cup filled with a white creamy ingredient sits near the bananas. Three brown eggs rest in a white egg tray at the bottom left. Several small clear bowls contain salt, baking soda, and another white powder. A small glass jar of milk and a small glass bowl with a light brown liquid are also part of the setup. The colors are soft and natural, showing the ingredients clearly for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; it’s all simple, everyday staples that come together into something truly magical. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this cake so flavorful and tender—from the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture to the brown butter frosting providing that deep, caramelized note everyone will be talking about.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a tender crumb.
Salted butter: Adds richness and enhances flavor; softened for easy mixing.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure, room temperature is best.
Pure vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic hint that complements the bananas.
Mashed ripe bananas: The star of the show, delivering natural sweetness and moist texture.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds subtle tanginess to balance the sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base, providing structure while keeping the crumb tender.
Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cake its perfect rise and fluffiness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure the sweetness isn’t one dimensional.
Nonfat dry milk powder: Used in the frosting to deepen the brown butter flavor and add creaminess.
Heavy cream: Creates that silky smooth texture in the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
Kosher salt: Balances the frosting’s sweetness and intensifies the nutty notes.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure everything bakes evenly. Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by spraying them with baking spray or lining them with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and softened salted butter on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for a light, fluffy cake because you’re incorporating air into the fat and sugar, giving the cake its signature tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Bananas, and Sour Cream

Next, mix in the eggs along with the pure vanilla extract until just combined. Then fold in your mashed ripe bananas and sour cream. These ingredients bring moisture, flavor, and a beautiful softness to your cake that’s hard to resist.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Overmixing here could make the cake dense, so gentle folding is the secret for maintaining softness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans and bake for 22 to 26 minutes. Your cake is done when the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Frosting

Start by melting ¼ cup of salted butter in a small pan over medium-low heat. Once it begins to foam, add the nonfat dry milk powder and stir constantly until the mixture browns and smells delightfully nutty—this gives the frosting its unique, irresistible flavor. It will clump, but that’s okay. Remove from heat and whisk in the heavy cream until smooth, then let it cool to room temperature.

Step 7: Finish the Frosting and Assemble

In a large bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of butter with kosher salt and vanilla extract until creamy. Add half the powdered sugar, mixing well, then add the rest along with your browned butter mixture. Beat everything together until the frosting is fluffy, smooth, and ready to spread. Layer your cooled cakes with the frosting, covering the top and sides generously for a stunning presentation.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

A tall, round cake with a smooth light brown frosting, speckled evenly, stands on a white marble cake stand with a wooden base. Around the bottom edge of the cake is a single row of banana slices, yellowish with brown spots, evenly placed. The cake is set on a white marbled surface with a bunch of three ripe yellow bananas to the left and a folded gray and white striped cloth to the right. The background is a plain, soft white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe, try garnishing with chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast. A few banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can add an extra touch of charm and flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you want to turn it into an indulgent dessert experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—both highlight the warm brown butter notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand and drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for a glossy finish. You could also cut the cake into squares and serve them in pretty dessert plates with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and edible flowers for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe stays moist and flavor-packed when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This makes it perfect for making ahead, so you can have dessert ready whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

If you want to keep the cake longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them completely at room temperature before serving to enjoy that luscious frosting and tender cake at its best.

Reheating

When it comes to reheating, it’s best to enjoy this cake chilled or at room temperature so the frosting stays firm. If you prefer it slightly warm, gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the frosting intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas are a great option and often more ripe than fresh ones. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing to keep the batter consistency just right.

Is this cake suitable for high-altitude baking?

High-altitude baking may require slight adjustments like increasing the oven temperature by 15 to 25 degrees and reducing baking powder slightly. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes and test doneness with a toothpick.

Can I substitute the sour cream in the batter?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream and will maintain the moisture and tanginess of the cake without altering the texture.

How long does it take to brown butter for the frosting?

It usually takes about 5 minutes on medium-low heat. Keep stirring constantly and watch for the butter to turn a lovely golden-brown color and release a warm, nutty aroma before removing it from the heat.

Can this Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe be made gluten-free?

With some careful substitution of a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can absolutely make this cake gluten-free. Make sure your leavening agents and all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a celebration of flavors and textures. The balance of moist banana cake and rich, nutty frosting creates a dessert experience you’ll want to make again and again. So grab those overripe bananas and get baking—you’re about to discover a new favorite that’s as comforting as it is delicious.