Banana bread is a tasty baked good made with ripe bananas.
It is usually moist and dense, and can be made with or without nuts.
There are many different recipes for banana bread, but most include mashed bananas, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking soda.
Some recipes also include (plant-based) milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
Banana bread can be served plain, or with butter, cream cheese, or frosting. It can also be sliced and used as a sandwich bread!
Banana bread is often baked in a loaf pan, but sometimes you happen to only have a cake pan on hand.
So the question here is; can you make banana bread in a cake pan?
You can definitely make banana bread in a cake pan. The bread will just be a little shorter and flatter than if you had used a loaf pan. Make sure to grease the cake pan well so the bread doesn’t stick, and bake the banana bread for a shorter amount of time so it doesn’t overcook.
With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have delicious banana bread, even if you only have a round (or square) cake pan on hand!
What Pans Are Best Used When Making Banana Bread?
The best type of pan to use when making banana bread is a loaf pan.
This is because the shape of the loaf pan allows the bread to cook evenly all the way through.
However, you can also use a cake pan if you do not have a loaf pan on hand.
Just be aware that the banana bread will turn out flatter than if you used a loaf pan, so it doesn’t need as much cooking time.
If you want to get really creative, you can try making banana bread in a cupcake pan.
Just fill each cupcake cavity about halfway full with batter, and bake for a shorter time than you would for regular banana bread.
You’ll end up with little banana bread cupcakes that are perfect for a snack or dessert.
And if you want to get really fancy, you can top them with a dollop of frosting or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
How To Make Banana Bread In A Cake Pan
Making banana bread in a cake pan is pretty similar to making it in a loaf pan.
The main difference is that you will need to adjust the cooking time, since the bread will be flatter and won’t take as long to cook through.
Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious cake pan banana bread:
- 3 or 4 ripe bananas, mashed (The key to making banana bread is to use ripe bananas. Look for bananas that have brown spots on the skin, the darker the better! These bananas will be perfectly sweet and will create a moist, delicious bread)
- 1/3 cup melted butter (If you only happen to have margarine at hand, check out this other article I wrote about making banana bread with margarine)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups flour
Optional:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Step-By-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour the cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Add the flour and stir until everything is combined. If you’re using any optional ingredients, add them now and stir until they’re evenly distributed.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Other Questions You May Have
Is It Better To Use A Glass Or Metal Pan For Banana Bread?
The best type of pan for baking banana bread is one that is made out of a light-colored metal.
This is because a dark-colored pan will cause the bread to brown too quickly on the outside before the inside has had a chance to cook all the way through.
A glass pan can also be used for baking banana bread, but it is not as ideal as a metal pan.
This is because a glass pan will cause the bread to cook more slowly, which can result in the inside of the bread being overcooked by the time the outside is done.
If you only have a dark-colored metal pan or a glass pan on hand, you can try covering the pan with a sheet of aluminum foil.
This will help to reflect the heat and prevent the bread from browning too quickly.
How Long Does Banana Bread Take To Bake?
The baking time for banana bread will vary depending on the recipe you are using, as well as the type and size of pan you are using.
In general, banana bread will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake in a loaf pan.
If you are using a cake pan, the bread will take less time to bake, so check on it after about 30 minutes.
Can I Freeze Banana Bread?
You can surely freeze banana bread!
It’s a great snack that lends itself well to freezing because it’s easy to grab a slice whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Just wrap the cooled bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to eat the banana bread, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat it in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes.
You can also pop in the microwave for about 30 seconds if you happen to be in a rush.
If you’re wondering how long you can keep banana bread in the fridge, make sure to check out this other article I wrote.
What Are Some Other Variations Of Banana Bread?
If you want to get creative with your banana bread, there are many different variations you can try.
For a chocolate lovers’ twist on banana bread, try adding some chocolate chips to the batter. You can also stir in a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans.
For a tropical twist, you can add some shredded coconut to the batter.
Or, for a festive touch, try adding some chopped dried fruit, like raisins or dried cranberries.
No matter what variations you try, banana bread is always a delicious and satisfying treat!
Can I use overripe bananas for banana bread?
Overripe bananas work great for banana bread. In fact, many banana bread recipes call for very ripe or even black bananas. Their higher moisture content helps keep the quick bread moist. Just be sure to mash the bananas thoroughly in a separate mixing bowl before adding them to the dry ingredients.
What size cake pan should I use for banana bread?
You can use most any size loaf pan, bundt pan, or cake pan you have on hand. A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan will yield one banana bread loaf. A bundt or 12 cup bundt pan works well too.
Can I make banana bread in a muffin pan?
You can make banana bread in a muffin pan. Simply prepare your favorite banana cake recipe as usual and divide the batter evenly among greased muffin cups. Bake at an oven temperature of 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Individual muffins make a great thing for breakfast or snacks.
What’s the best way to mash bananas for banana bread?
The easiest way is to peel the bananas and break them up in a separate bowl. Then use a fork, potato masher or even your hands to smoosh them until no large chunks remain. Overripe bananas will mash more easily.
A stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on low speed to medium speed also works well for mashing large amounts of bananas at once.
How do I store banana bread?
Once banana bread has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days, or wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Freezing prevents staling so you’ll have banana bread any time. Using an airtight container is a great way to keep it fresh.
How do I know when banana bread is done baking?
To test for doneness, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the banana bread and remove it. If it comes out clean without any batter clinging to it, then the bread is fully baked through.
Another sign is when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or the top is a deep golden brown.
Final Thoughts
Banana bread is a tasty and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for many different occasions.
You can use a cake pan instead of a regular loaf pan, the only difference will be the shape of the bread and the amount of time it will take to cook the banana bread.
No matter what pan you decide to use, banana bread is sure to be a hit!
Cake pans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
There are many different variations of banana bread, so you can always find a new way to enjoy it.
And, because it freezes so well, you can always have a slice on hand for when a craving strikes.
If you’re wondering whether you can store your banana bread batter and save it for baking at a later time, make sure to head over to this other blog post I wrote!