Name: Sara Lee Banana Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup butter, soft; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt; 1 cup sugar; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 35 reviews

If you’re craving a moist, flavorful, and utterly comforting dessert, the Sara Lee Banana Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This cake brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a tender crumb and a hint of vanilla, creating a delightful experience in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a casual family gathering or a special occasion, this cake never fails to impress with its rich texture and homemade charm that’s reminiscent of the classic Sara Lee style.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A golden brown square cake with a slightly bumpy top texture, cut into six equal pieces, sits on a white parchment paper on a light wooden surface. One piece is placed on a plain white round plate in the foreground, showing a soft and fluffy inside with small air holes. A metal fork rests on the edge of the plate, and a white marbled texture surface replaces the background. The lighting highlights the warm tones of the cake, making it look fresh and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this cake just right is all about simple, well-chosen ingredients that work in harmony. Each element contributes to the cake’s sweetness, moisture, and structure, making it both delicious and reliably tender every time.

3 ripe bananas (mashed): Use bananas that are speckled and soft for the sweetest, most flavorful base.
1 cup sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the banana’s natural sugar.
1/2 cup butter (soft): Ensures a rich texture and helps create a tender crumb.
2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to keep the cake moist and fluffy.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile with warm, inviting notes.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s hearty base and gives it its signature texture.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and creates a light crumb.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness of the bananas.
1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt: Boosts moisture and tenderizes the crumb for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.

How to Make Sara Lee Banana Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a 9×9 inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure your cake comes out cleanly without sticking. A well-prepped pan is essential for an even bake and gorgeous release.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Peel your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until smooth. The silkier the banana mash, the more evenly the flavor will distribute throughout your cake. This step is key to achieving that luscious banana essence in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture turns soft and fluffy. This aeration is what will help give the cake a light texture, so be patient and thorough with this step.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a subtle warmth that complements the bananas perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Bananas with the Butter Mixture

Fold in the mashed bananas carefully, making sure everything is well mixed without overworking the batter. This keeps the cake tender and gives it that unmistakable banana flavor that makes the Sara Lee Banana Cake Recipe so beloved.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the wet mixture helps ensure an even rise and consistent texture.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to come together just enough to maintain a delicate crumb.

Step 8: Add Sour Cream or Yogurt

Stir in the sour cream or yogurt last to add extra moisture and richness. This step is what really elevates this banana cake above the ordinary, leaving it wonderfully soft and tender.

Step 9: Pour Batter into Pan and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges have turned golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This cooling phase keeps the cake from breaking apart and makes it easier to cut into perfect squares for serving.

How to Serve Sara Lee Banana Cake Recipe

A square piece of light golden cake with a soft, crumbly texture is placed on a simple white plate with a silver fork beside it. The cake has a slightly darker, firm crust on top and around the edges. In the background, a larger square cake of the same kind with one piece removed sits on a cooling rack covered with lightly crinkled white parchment paper. The scene is set on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background, and a cloth with gray stripes is blurred out behind the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can bring your Sara Lee Banana Cake Recipe to the next level. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or even a spoonful of whipped cream for a touch of elegance. Chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon provide a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This banana cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or slices of orange for a refreshing balance. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream cheese frosting on the side can transform it into a decadent treat perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering the cake with cream cheese frosting and sliced bananas to make a trifle or serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top. Using decorative plates or serving alongside a cup of coffee or tea creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh and moist for up to two days. Refrigerating can extend freshness but may dry out the cake slightly, so always bring it back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the Sara Lee Banana Cake Recipe without losing its tender texture. Wrap the cake tightly in foil and then in plastic wrap before freezing. When frozen, it can last up to three months and makes for a convenient, ready-to-bake sweet treat.

Reheating

To revive your banana cake, reheat slices briefly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or place them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s moistness and warms the flavors, making it taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

Yes, if you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt is a great substitute that maintains the cake’s moisture and tangy flavor. You can also use buttermilk or a mixture of milk with a bit of lemon juice as alternatives.

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

The riper the bananas, the better. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots and a soft texture. These sweeter bananas blend smoothly and give your cake that rich banana flavor without needing extra sugar.

Is this cake suitable for freezing after it’s baked?

Absolutely! The Sara Lee Banana Cake Recipe freezes well, making it perfect for baking ahead of time. Just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn and thaw it overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this banana cake?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can add delightful texture and flavor contrasts. Fold them in gently with the dry ingredients or sprinkle on top before baking for a personal touch.

What frosting pairs best with this banana cake?

Cream cheese frosting is the classic choice for this cake, offering a tangy richness that complements the banana flavor beautifully. Alternatively, a simple vanilla glaze or whipped cream topping works wonders too.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the Sara Lee Banana Cake Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug in cake form. Its simplicity, combined with luscious flavors and tender crumb, ensure that it will quickly become a household favorite. So go ahead and treat yourself to a slice — you deserve every bite of this delightful homemade classic.