Hey there, baking enthusiasts! Are you searching for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert? Well, look no further! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, and her amazing banana bread cake recipe. This isn't just any banana bread; it's a moist, flavorful cake that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. So, grab your aprons, and let's get baking!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

So, what's the buzz about this Pioneer Woman banana bread cake? Well, it's all about simplicity and flavor. Ree Drummond has a knack for taking classic recipes and making them even better, and this one is no exception. The cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the mashed bananas and a few other key ingredients. Plus, it's packed with that comforting banana flavor that everyone loves. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. While many banana bread recipes result in a dense, loaf-like texture, the Pioneer Woman's version leans more towards a cake. This means it's lighter, fluffier, and perfect for serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It's also incredibly adaptable; you can easily add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a cream cheese frosting to customize it to your liking. Let's talk about the ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your pantry. Ripe bananas are a must, of course, and the riper, the better. They'll add more moisture and sweetness to the cake. Other essential ingredients include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a few common baking staples like baking soda and vanilla extract. The combination of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Now, before we dive into the recipe, let's address a common question: why is it called banana bread cake? The answer is simple: it's a hybrid of both. It has the moist, banana-packed goodness of banana bread but with the light, airy texture of a cake. This makes it a unique and irresistible treat that's perfect for any occasion. So, if you're looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that's easy to make and tastes amazing, the Pioneer Woman's banana bread cake is definitely worth a try. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and versatile dessert!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get started, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you'll need to create this scrumptious banana bread cake: Remember that the quality of your ingredients can affect the final product, so opt for the best you can find. For example, using high-quality vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor of the cake. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as they are crucial for leavening the cake and giving it that light, airy texture. If you're using nuts, toast them lightly before adding them to the batter to bring out their flavor. And don't be afraid to experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts. If you want to add a touch of spice, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom to the batter. These spices will complement the banana flavor and add a warm, cozy element to the cake. Another great addition is chocolate. Chocolate chips, chunks, or even a swirl of melted chocolate can take this banana bread cake to the next level. For a truly decadent treat, consider adding a cream cheese frosting. The tanginess of the cream cheese will balance the sweetness of the cake and create a perfect harmony of flavors. When it comes to bananas, the riper, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, and they also add more moisture to the cake. If you don't have overripe bananas on hand, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or a banana for a day or two. Just make sure they are soft and spotty before using them in the recipe. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a banana bread cake that will impress everyone who tries it. With a little bit of love and attention, you'll be able to create a dessert that's both delicious and memorable.

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, guys, let's get to the fun part: baking! Follow these simple steps to create your very own Pioneer Woman banana bread cake: First, let's talk about prepping your ingredients. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, as this will make it easier to cream with the sugar. Mash your bananas thoroughly to avoid any lumps in the batter. And don't forget to preheat your oven to the correct temperature; this is crucial for ensuring that the cake bakes evenly. While the oven is preheating, grease and flour your baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove once it's done baking. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance. Now, let's move on to mixing the batter. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important for incorporating air into the batter, which will help the cake rise. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake. Finally, fold in the mashed bananas and any optional ingredients, such as chocolate chips or nuts. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for the recommended time, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. And that's it! You've successfully baked a Pioneer Woman banana bread cake. Now, slice it up and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. This cake is best served warm, but it's also delicious at room temperature. And if you have any leftovers, they'll keep well in an airtight container for a few days. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to bake a cake that will impress everyone who tries it.

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in bananas: Fold in the mashed bananas and any optional chocolate chips or nuts.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread Cake

Want to make sure your banana bread cake turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few tips to keep in mind: To begin, let's talk about the bananas. Ripe bananas are the key to a moist and flavorful cake. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. If you don't have ripe bananas on hand, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or a banana for a day or two. Another tip is to use softened butter. Softened butter is easier to cream with the sugar, which is essential for creating a light and fluffy cake. If you forget to take the butter out of the refrigerator ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it for a few seconds. Be careful not to melt the butter completely, as this will affect the texture of the cake. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined, and then stop. You can also customize the cake to your liking by adding different ingredients. Chocolate chips, nuts, and spices are all great additions. If you're adding nuts, toast them lightly before adding them to the batter to bring out their flavor. And don't be afraid to experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts. To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, grease and flour the pan thoroughly before adding the batter. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the cake from breaking apart. And finally, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake will keep for several days, and it will actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. So, keep these tips in mind, and you'll be able to bake a perfect banana bread cake every time.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They add more moisture and sweetness.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Add chocolate chips or nuts: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite additions.
• Grease and flour the pan: This prevents the cake from sticking.
• Cool completely: Let the cake cool before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Variations to Try

Want to spice things up? Here are a few variations you can try with this banana bread cake recipe: One popular variation is to add chocolate chips to the batter. Chocolate and banana are a classic combination, and the chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness and richness to the cake. You can use any type of chocolate chips you like, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. Another variation is to add nuts to the batter. Nuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the cake. You can use any type of nuts you like, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. If you're using nuts, toast them lightly before adding them to the batter to bring out their flavor. For a more decadent treat, you can add a cream cheese frosting to the cake. Cream cheese frosting is tangy and sweet, and it complements the banana flavor perfectly. To make cream cheese frosting, simply beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices that pair well with banana. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try adding a swirl of peanut butter to the batter. Peanut butter and banana are another classic combination, and the peanut butter adds a creamy, nutty flavor to the cake. To add a swirl of peanut butter, simply dollop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter and then swirl it in with a knife or a toothpick. You can also add a layer of streusel topping to the cake. Streusel topping is a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and spices. It adds a crunchy texture and a sweet, buttery flavor to the cake. To make streusel topping, simply combine flour, butter, sugar, and spices in a bowl and then crumble the mixture over the batter. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different variations to find your perfect banana bread cake.

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cake: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
• Nutty Banana Bread Cake: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the batter.
• Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Bread Cake: Frost the cooled cake with cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy Your Homemade Treat!

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make Pioneer Woman banana bread cake that's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is a winner. Remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting. So, don't be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe and make it your own. Happy baking! This recipe is a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas that are sitting on your counter. Instead of throwing them away, you can transform them into a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will love. And the best part is, this recipe is so easy to make that even beginner bakers can successfully whip it up. The Pioneer Woman's banana bread cake is also a great option for potlucks, bake sales, or any other occasion where you need to bring a dessert. It's a crowd-pleaser that's always a hit, and it's sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, it's a budget-friendly dessert that won't break the bank. So, next time you're looking for a delicious and easy dessert recipe, give this Pioneer Woman banana bread cake a try. You won't be disappointed! And don't forget to share your creations with us on social media. We love seeing your baking adventures! Happy baking, everyone!