Indulge in the delightful fusion of ripe bananas and fragrant vanilla beans with Chyna B's Buttermilk Banana Cake, drizzled in a mouthwatering Vanilla Bean Glaze! 🍌

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Hey there, Sweeties! Today, I've got a treat that's not just a feast for your taste buds but also a visual delight.

Get ready to dive into my Buttermilk Banana Cake with a luscious Vanilla Bean Glaze. This delectable recipe combines the rich sweetness of ripe bananas with the heavenly aroma of vanilla bean – it's pure dessert magic!

3 Reasons Why You'll Love this Recipe:

The combination of ripe bananas and aromatic vanilla bean creates a symphony of flavors that'll have your taste buds dancing with joy.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between easy preparation and an elegant presentation, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
With ingredient substitutions and variations at your disposal, you can tailor this cake to your preferences, ensuring it's always a hit at any gathering.

Main Ingredients & Their Roles:

Ripe Bananas (Mashed): The star of the show, ripe bananas! They add natural sweetness, moisture, and a delightful banana flavor to the cake. Their creamy texture also contributes to the cake's tenderness.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk provides acidity, which reacts with the baking soda and powder to create a light and airy texture. It also contributes a hint of tang to the glaze, balancing the sweetness, and helps create a smooth texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, all-purpose flour gives structure and stability to the batter. It's essential for achieving the right crumb texture. Read this blog to make sure you’re measuring the flour correctly: The Foolproof Way to Measure Flour!
Unsalted Butter: Butter brings richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the cake. Creaming it with sugar results in a light and fluffy texture.
Light Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: These sugars sweeten the cake while also providing moisture and tenderness. Light brown sugar offers a gentle caramel flavor.
Eggs: Eggs act as binders, giving the cake structure, and they contribute to its moisture and rise. They're essential for a well-textured cake.
Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: Vanilla enhances the flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes, creating a harmonious pairing with the bananas.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents work in tandem with the buttermilk to make the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm and comforting spice note that complements the sweetness of the bananas and vanilla.

How to Make a Buttermilk Banana Cake

Equipment You'll Need:

Before we get to the good stuff, make sure you have these essentials in your kitchen:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch (2 qt) baking pan and line with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mash 2 large, ripe bananas and mix with a 1/2 cup buttermilk. Set this aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream 1 stick softened butter, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugars until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, and stir in 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract. Gently fold in the banana-buttermilk mixture and then the flour mixture until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make the Vanilla Bean Glaze

Slice a vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 TBS milk, and the vanilla bean seeds (or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract) until you achieve a smooth glaze.
Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled banana cake. Slice, serve, and enjoy your Buttermilk Banana Cake with Vanilla Bean Glaze!

Serving Size & Storage:

Servings: This Buttermilk Banana Cake yields approximately 9 delightful servings. But chances are, it won't last long once your family and friends get a taste!
Storage: To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, but trust me, it's so good it probably won't make it that far!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations:

Don't fret if you're missing an ingredient or want to add a unique twist to your cake. Here are a few ideas:

Bananas: If you run out of ripe bananas, you can use banana puree from a jar as a substitute.
Buttermilk: No buttermilk? No problem! Create your own buttermilk by mixing 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Vanilla: If you don't have a vanilla bean, you can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract for the glaze. It will still taste fantastic!

FAQs:

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A: Yes, you can, but it will result in a slightly denser texture. It's a healthier option if you want to go that route!

Q: Can I make this cake in advance for a special occasion?

A: Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making ahead. You can bake it a day or two before your event, and it'll still be scrumptious.

Q: Can I freeze this cake?

A: No, I wouldn’t recommend freezing this cake. There’s something about freezing bananas in a baked good that just don’t work. They tend to turn black, and the texture is slightly off.

Tips & Tricks:

Make sure your bananas are ripe – the riper, the sweeter!
When mashing bananas, use a fork for a slightly chunky texture, or a blender for a smoother consistency.
Be patient when creaming the butter and sugar – this step ensures a light and fluffy cake.
Don't overmix the batter; just fold until combined for a tender crumb.
Customize your glaze by adjusting the milk for your desired consistency – thicker for drizzling, thinner for pouring.

This Buttermilk Banana Cake with Vanilla Bean Glaze is a true dessert masterpiece. The blend of buttermilk and bananas, crowned with the fragrant vanilla bean glaze, will leave you craving more.

I'd love to hear about your baking adventures! Share your thoughts, tips, or even variations you've tried. Let's connect and make this space a hub for all things sweet. Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for the latest recipes and updates and share this mouthwatering recipe on social media to spread the love for homemade desserts. Stay sweet and keep baking!

Stay Sweet, Xoxo Chyna B! 🍌

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WATCH THE RECIPE VIDEO HERE!

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Buttermilk Banana Cake with Vanilla Bean Glaze