Description
This moist and flavorful Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an ideal dessert for parties, potlucks, or everyday enjoyment. The cake combines ripe bananas, warm spices, and a tender crumb topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, creating a classic American treat that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups mashed brown bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
- 1 1/3 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Set the mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the pure vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Incorporate Bananas: Add the mashed brown bananas into the batter and mix until fully combined, scraping down the bowl with a spatula if necessary.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in between. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, starting to check at 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add Confectioners’ Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, starting with 3 cups and mixing well between each addition. Continue adding sugar 1/4 cup at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.
- Serve: Cut the cake into 16 pieces and serve. Enjoy your delicious banana cake!
Notes
- Ensure the bananas are very ripe and brown for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese) mix better and create a smoother batter and frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- Check the cake early at 35 minutes as oven temperatures vary.
- The cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before frosting.
- For a more intense banana flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of vanilla or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
