Unlock the secret to a truly special dessert with this Brown Butter Banana Bundt Cake, a delightful twist on classic bakery style cake recipes. This bundt cake combines the rich, nutty notes of brown butter with sweet bananas, creating a moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better for natural sweetness. If yours aren’t quite ripe, you can roast them in their peels at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until soft and darkened.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for browning; you can use salted butter but omit the added salt in the recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard for most bakery style cake recipes. A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor. Granulated sugar can be used in a pinch, but the cake won’t be as moist.
- Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt: Adds tenderness and moisture.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1 and 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain full-fat yogurt
- 3 very ripe medium bananas, mashed (about 1 and 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Tools Needed: 10-12 cup bundt pan, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula, saucepan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Butter
Melt the unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a rich golden-brown color and nutty aroma emerges, about 5-8 minutes. Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Set this mixture aside. This ensures all your dry components are evenly distributed for your bakery style cake.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the slightly cooled brown butter and brown sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed bananas.
4. Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Fold in the optional chopped walnuts or pecans if you are using them.
5. Prepare for Baking
Generously grease and flour your 10-12 cup bundt pan. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. This step is crucial for an easy release of your beautiful bakery style cake.
6. Bake the Cake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top will be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the bundt cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar if desired.
Variation Ideas
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips with the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, swirl dollops of sweetened cream cheese mixture through the batter.
- Cranberry Nut: Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries along with the nuts for a festive flavor.
- Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk or lemon juice.
Storage Instructions
Store your Brown Butter Banana Bundt Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cake slices at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my bundt cake stick to the pan?
You likely didn’t grease and flour the pan thoroughly enough. Always be very generous with grease and flour, especially in all the crevices.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
What does “brown butter” mean?
Brown butter is butter that has been cooked until the milk solids separate and brown, giving it a deep, nutty, and toasted flavor.
Why is my cake dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking are common culprits. Follow the baking times closely and mix just until combined.
Can I make this as a loaf cake?
Yes, you can divide the batter between two 9×5 inch loaf pans and bake for 45-55 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean, without any wet batter attached.