Ultra-Moist Banana Cake with Velvety Cream Cheese Frosting

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A tender, spiced banana cake topped with silky cream cheese frosting—perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or using up ripe bananas!

Ingredients

For the Banana Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups (325g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended!)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (340g) mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

(Optional: Chopped walnuts or caramel drizzle for topping!)

Instructions

1. Prep & Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans or a 9×13-inch pan with parchment.
  • In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

2. Cream Butter & Sugars

  • Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (~3 mins).
  • Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and mashed bananas.

3. Alternate Wet & Dry Ingredients

  • Add ⅓ of the flour mixture, then ½ of the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Repeat, ending with flour.

4. Bake

  • Pour into prepared pan(s). Bake:
    • 8-inch rounds: 25–30 mins
    • 9×13-inch: 35–40 mins
  • Cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

5. Make the Frosting

  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt. Whip until fluffy (~2 mins).

6. Frost & Decorate

  • For layered cakes, spread frosting between layers and over the top.
  • Garnish with walnuts, banana slices, or a caramel drizzle!

Pro Tips

🍌 Use overripe bananas (brown spots = sweeter, moister cake!).
🧈 Don’t overmix—gentle folding keeps the cake tender.
❄️ Chill frosting 10 mins if too soft for piping.

Variations:

  • Banana Nut Cake: Fold ½ cup chopped walnuts into the batter.
  • Chocolate Swirl: Add ¼ cup cocoa to half the frosting for a marbled effect.
  • Single Layer: Bake in a 9-inch square pan for thicker slices.

Storage: Keep refrigerated (up to 3 days) or freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months.

Would you like a healthier version (whole wheat, reduced sugar) or a mini cupcake adaptation? 😊

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Notes & FAQs

📝 Important Notes:

  1. Banana Ripeness:
    • Use extra-ripe bananas (black spots = sweeter, more flavorful cake).
    • For quick ripening, bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 mins.
  2. Pan Options:
    • Two 8-inch rounds: Classic layered cake.
    • 9×13-inch: Sheet cake (great for crowds).
    • Loaf pan: Reduce baking time to 50–60 mins (check at 45 mins).
  3. Frosting Consistency:
    • If too thin: Chill for 10–15 mins before spreading.
    • If too thick: Add 1 tsp milk/cream at a time.
  4. Make-Ahead Tips:
    • Cake can be baked 1 day ahead (wrap tightly in plastic).
    • Frosting can be refrigerated up to 3 days; rewhip before using.

❓ FAQs:

Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes! Thaw completely, drain excess liquid, and mash.

Q: Can I substitute buttermilk?
A: Mix ½ cup milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 mins.

Q: Why is my cake dense?
A: Overmixing or overbaking can cause this. Mix until just combined.

Q: Can I make cupcakes?
A: Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 mins (makes ~18 cupcakes).

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate (covered) for 3 days or freeze (unfrosted) for 2 months.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes, but it affects texture. Reduce by ¼ cup max in the cake (frosting will be less sweet too).

Q: My frosting is runny—help!
A: Your butter/cream cheese may have been too soft. Chill the bowl and beat again.

🚨 Troubleshooting:

  • Dry cake: Overbaked or too much flour (spoon flour into measuring cup, don’t pack).
  • Dense texture: Too many bananas (stick to 1½ cups mashed).
  • Frosting splits: Ingredients weren’t room temp. Warm the bowl slightly and rebeat.

✨ Pro Tips:

  • Flavor boost: Add ½ tsp nutmeg or 1 tbsp bourbon to the batter.
  • Decorate: Pipe frosting with a star tip, top with toasted coconut or chocolate shavings.
  • Gluten-free: Swap flour for 1:1 GF blend (add ½ tsp xanthan gum if needed).

Need a vegan version or nut-free alternatives? Ask away! 😊

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