Description
This moist and flavorful Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat featuring ripe bananas folded into a tender, buttery cake base, topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert or special occasions, this cake balances sweetness with a creamy finish for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake batter.
- Fold in Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top before serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter as this can make the cake dense.
- For easier frosting, chill the cream cheese and butter before mixing.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use cream cheese made from non-dairy sources.
