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Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and fluffy dessert that balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a tangy, creamy frosting. This easy-to-make cake uses simple pantry ingredients and is perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to special celebrations. The rich banana flavor combined with smooth cream cheese frosting makes every bite a cozy, delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 to 1.5 cups ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bananas and Dry Ingredients: Start by mashing the ripe bananas until smooth to provide natural sweetness and moisture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution for proper rising and flavor.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air to help the cake rise well.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to infuse the cake with its signature flavor.
  4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender, light crumb texture.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then adjust the consistency with milk or heavy cream to achieve a spreadable texture.
  7. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sides. Optionally, decorate with piped swirls or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added flair.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture.
  • Do not overmix the batter; fold gently to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
  • Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for smooth batter and frosting.
  • Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • Adjust frosting consistency with milk or powdered sugar to achieve desired spreadability or piping texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana cake, cream cheese frosting, moist banana cake, gluten-free banana cake, classic banana dessert, easy banana cake recipe