If you’re craving a dessert that combines the rich creaminess of custard with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas, look no further than Banana Custard Cake. This indulgent treat features layers of soft cake, smooth custard, and fresh bananas, making it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what makes banana custard cake so special, how to make it, and some helpful tips for the best results.
Table of Contents
What Is a Banana Custard Cake?
Banana custard cake is a layered dessert typically featuring:
- A soft cake base (usually vanilla or sponge cake)
- Layers of fresh sliced bananas
- Creamy vanilla custard or banana-flavored custard
- Optional toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or caramel drizzle
It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors, combining light, fluffy cake with silky smooth custard and naturally sweet bananas.
Ingredients Overview
For the Cake Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Custard:
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 ripe mashed banana for banana-flavored custard
For Assembly:
- 2-3 ripe bananas, sliced
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or extra banana slices for garnish
How to Make Banana Custard Cake
Prepare the Cake Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Fold in the dry ingredients gently. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Make the Custard
In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly add the warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let it cool. For extra banana flavor, you can whisk in a mashed ripe banana once cooled.
Assemble the Cake
Slice the cooled cake horizontally to create two layers. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of custard over it. Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the custard. Place the second cake layer over the bananas, and spread more custard over the top and sides. Decorate with whipped cream, additional banana slices, nuts, or caramel sauce as desired.
Chill
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours to let the custard set and flavors meld together.
Tips for the Best Banana Custard Cake
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and best flavor.
- Make sure the custard is completely cooled before assembling the cake.
- Chill the cake well to allow the layers to firm up and hold together.
- Serve cold for a refreshing dessert experience.
Variations to Try
- Add a layer of crushed graham crackers or cookies between the custard and bananas for added texture.
- Use chocolate or caramel drizzle on top for extra richness.
- Replace vanilla cake with banana bread for an even more intense banana flavor.
Banana custard cake is the perfect dessert when you want something creamy, fruity, and comforting. The combination of soft cake, luscious custard, and sweet bananas makes it a hit at any gathering or as a delightful treat for yourself.
