Name: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour ((scoop and level to measure)); 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups mashed overripe bananas ((from about 4 medium bananas)); 1 tsp lemon juice; 1/2 cup unsalted butter ((softened)); 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream; 14 oz cream cheese ((nearly at room temperature)); 1/3 cup unsalted butter ((nearly at room temperature)); 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Are you in the mood for a slice of moist, fluffy goodness that melts in your mouth? Look no further than this delightful Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! This recipe takes the classic banana bread concept and elevates it to a stunning layer cake, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress. With its rich flavor and creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious treat!

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a tried-and-true recipe that combines simple ingredients with straightforward techniques to produce a consistently delicious result. The use of overripe bananas ensures maximum flavor and moisture, while the combination of both granulated and brown sugars creates a beautiful balance of sweetness. Moreover, this cake is forgiving for bakers of all levels, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned pros. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this cake is guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

The Essentials

To create this delectable cake, gather the following ingredients:

3 cups (425g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups (368g) mashed overripe bananas (from about 4 medium bananas)
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100g) packed light-brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (350ml) buttermilk
1 1/4 cups (295ml) heavy cream
14oz cream cheese, nearly at room temperature
1/3 cup (74g) unsalted butter, nearly at room temperature
1 3/4 cups (210g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Tools & Equipment Needed

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurement.
Electric mixer – to achieve a smooth batter and fluffy frosting.
Spatula – for folding in ingredients and spreading frosting.
Two 9-inch round cake pans – for baking the cake layers.
Cooling rack – to cool the cakes completely before frosting.

The Method for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Follow these steps to create your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Bananas

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the mashed bananas and lemon juice until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Adaptations for Special Diets

If you have specific dietary needs, here are some adaptations you can make:

Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free butter and a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Lower sugar: Reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar, or use a sugar substitute.
Egg-free: Replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan option.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

Everyone makes mistakes in the kitchen! Here are a few common missteps to avoid:

Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
Not measuring the flour correctly can affect the cake’s structure. Always scoop and level your flour.
Using cold ingredients can cause the batter to not blend well. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature.
Skipping the cooling process can lead to frosting melting off the cake. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

To keep your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh:

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and frost!

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just thaw them and mash before using. They may be a bit more watery, so be sure to drain any excess liquid.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Just wrap them tightly and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost and serve.

What can I do with leftover frosting?

Leftover cream cheese frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s great on Banana Muffins, pancakes, or even as a dip for fruits!

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cake?

If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar slightly. Remember to taste the batter before baking to ensure it meets your sweetness preference!

Cook This Next

If you love this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, you might also enjoy:

Banana Muffins – Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Chocolate Banana Bread – A decadent twist on classic banana bread.

Let’s Eat

Now that you’ve mastered this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s time to slice yourself a generous piece and dig in! The combination of the sweet banana flavor, fluffy cake, and creamy frosting is truly irresistible. Whether you share with friends and family or savor it all on your own, this cake promises a moment of pure bliss in every bite. Happy baking!