Description
A moist and flavorful banana cake topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. This classic dessert combines ripe bananas, aromatic cinnamon, and a rich frosting, perfect for any occasion or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Cake
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mash bananas: Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl and set aside for later use in the batter.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine wet ingredients: Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix as that can affect the cake’s texture.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 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 frosting base: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled banana cake.
- Optional garnish: Optionally, garnish the frosted cake with fresh banana slices just before serving for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use parchment paper for easier cake removal and cleaner edges.
- Fresh banana slices on top are optional; add just before serving to prevent browning.
