This classic banana cake recipe from May 1938 reflects a timeless approach to using overripe bananas for something special. Enhanced with sour milk and a touch of citrus extract, it produces a moist, tender crumb and rich banana flavor. It’s a perfect example of resourceful home baking from the early 20th century, simple, frugal, and delicious. The use of both vanilla and citrus extract provides depth, while the sour milk and soda ensure a fluffy rise without needing modern leaveners. Great for brunches, potlucks, or any time you crave a nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1¼ cup sugar
- 2 eggs (well beaten)
- 1 cup bananas (mashed, about 2–3 ripe bananas)
- ⅓ cup sour milk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice)
- 2¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp orange extract (or lemon extract)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs & Banana
- Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add mashed banana and mix well.
Step 3: Prepare Sour Milk Mixture
- Stir baking soda into the sour milk until it starts to foam.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Alternately add the sour milk mixture and the dry ingredients (flour and salt, pre-sifted) into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Add Flavorings
- Stir in the vanilla and citrus extract.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour into a greased cake pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips
- Use buttermilk instead of sour milk for richer flavor.
- Top with cream cheese frosting or dust with powdered sugar.
- Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts for texture.
- Substitute orange extract with almond for a unique twist.
- Bake in a bundt pan or loaf pan; adjust time as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 1gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 71IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!