Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Banana Cake offers a delightful combination of two classic fruits: bananas and strawberries. The banana adds moisture and natural sweetness, while the strawberries bring a burst of fresh flavor. The cake is light and fluffy, making it the perfect balance of textures. The sweetness of the banana cake complements the tartness of the strawberries, creating a deliciously balanced dessert. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be dressed up with your favorite frosting or simply dusted with powdered sugar for a lighter version.

Ingredients

For the cake:

2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (optional for strawberry-flavored frosting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the diced strawberries, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with the milk, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in the vanilla extract and, if using, the pureed strawberries for a strawberry-flavored frosting.
Beat the frosting until fluffy and smooth.

Assembling the cake:

Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top of the first cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or additional diced strawberries, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegan Version: Replace the eggs and butter with flax eggs and dairy-free butter, and use dairy-free milk for a completely vegan cake.
Chocolate Banana Strawberry Cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter to create a chocolate banana cake and pair it with chocolate frosting for a decadent twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist that complements the bananas and strawberries.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for longer, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: This cake can be frozen! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the cake to prevent excess moisture.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Frost it just before serving.

3. How do I make this cake more moist?

The bananas in the cake already help keep it moist, but if you want to make it even moister, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt (dairy-free if needed).

4. Can I use banana extract instead of fresh bananas?

For a more intense banana flavor, you can substitute banana extract, but the texture may be slightly different without the natural moisture from the bananas.

5. Can I add more strawberries to the frosting?

Yes, you can add more pureed strawberries to the frosting for a stronger strawberry flavor. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, or it may affect the consistency.

6. Can I decorate the cake with whipped cream?

Yes, whipped cream can be a great topping for this cake! You can use a vegan whipped cream for a dairy-free option.

7. Can I use a different frosting flavor?

Absolutely! You can use cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze for a lighter option.

8. How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, be sure to grease the pans thoroughly and line the bottoms with parchment paper. You can also dust the pans with flour after greasing them.

9. Can I make this cake into cupcakes?

Yes, you can bake this batter in a muffin tin for cupcakes. Reduce the baking time to 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

10. How can I make this cake more flavorful?

For an extra flavor boost, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the frosting or mix in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.

Conclusion

Strawberry Banana Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The combination of ripe bananas and fresh strawberries creates a cake that is moist, fluffy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or just enjoying it on a casual afternoon, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its light, airy texture and delicious frosting, it’s a dessert everyone will love!

Strawberry Banana Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients