Banana Brown Butter Cake Recipe That Tastes Bakery Fresh

I like to use ripe bananas in this brown butter cake, which is now a family tradition. Banana Brown Butter Cake Recipe is tender and moist, and it is definitely the best banana cake I’ve ever had. I like that it doesn’t require special baking skills or equipment—just a few basic ingredients. 

If you are in Australia looking for a Banana Brown Butter Cake Recipe to make, or if you want to try an Asian banana cake with a different twist, this cake is worth making. It is like a simple banana cake, but also something a little bit fancy. It can be enjoyed anytime.

Why I Love This Recipe

I bake plenty of banana cakes, but a banana brown butter cake like this one always stands out. The browned butter brings that slightly nutty flavor that tenderly enhances each slice’s rich depth. 

Every morsel is drizzled with a delicate sweetness, moist as a cloud, soft as a whisper, and pleasingly ripe without the batch moving toward syrupy.

I have to mention the frosting; it ribbons over the cake like a gloss and masks any dryness or excess sugar the cake might have. It’s the tangiest part of the entire experience and rather a balm for the cake’s sweetness—as if it were awaiting a touch of grace.

When I think of baked goods that offer a warm, reassuring nod, this cake is what I remember. I think of my now homemade, freshly baked warm surprises that I make to delight my family after a long day, or my spontaneous plan to welcome friends by the window with barista offerings.

Although it could be considered a treat, Banana Brown Butter Cake Recipe is undeniably warm and inviting, impressively checking all the boxes of home comfort and lovingly crafted food, efficiently giving the entire essence of my kitchen to them.

How To Make Banana Brown Butter Cake Recipe

Recipe Overview

This banana brown butter cake recipe is soft, moist, and topped with a silky cream cheese frosting. It’s an easy banana cake that feels extra special but stays simple enough for everyday baking.

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Cuisine: Australian / Western
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: 10–12 servings
• Calories per serving: ~320

Equipment

You don’t need any special baking tools for this banana brown butter cake recipe. Here’s what I use in my kitchen:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk & spatula
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups & spoons
• 9×13-inch cake pan
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 3 ripe mashed bananas
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (browned)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter (browned and cooled)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar (powdered)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Keep stirring until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Be careful—it can burn quickly. Let it cool slightly before using.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This helps the cake rise evenly.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the browned butter with both sugars until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix—just stir until you no longer see dry flour. Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and browned butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whip until fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly on top. Slice and enjoy!

My Secret Tips for the Perfect Cake

• If you want extra moisture, add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
• Don’t skip browning the butter—it’s what gives this cake its signature nutty taste.
• For a healthier touch, swap part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas

• Banana Nut Cake: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Cake: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a kids’ favourite.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of salted caramel over the frosting takes it to another level.
• Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for single-serve banana bars or cupcakes.

Serve this cake with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Video Tutorial

Final Thoughts

The rest of the world can now feast on the rest of the world, but I still believe this cake and its fluffy frosting are everything. 

While I haven’t heard anyone defend cake in general, the combination of ripe bananas with a cup or two of browned butter is unique and memorable. Not to mention the generous drizzling of frosting.