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Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews
  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist and flavorful banana cake topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make banana cake combines ripe bananas, cinnamon, and nuts for a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the cake perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Cake

  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional, for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, to incorporate air for a soft texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to combine well, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Mash Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.
  5. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
  6. Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing and toughness.
  7. Fold in Bananas and Nuts: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped walnuts or pecans if using, to evenly incorporate without deflating the batter.
  8. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly for uniform baking.
  9. Bake Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
  10. Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the cake sets and is easier to frost.
  11. Prepare Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy for a fluffy texture.
  12. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to avoid lumps.
  13. Add Flavor and Adjust Consistency: Stir in the vanilla extract and if the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until desired creamy consistency is reached.
  14. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top with a spatula.
  15. Decorate: Optionally decorate the frosted cake with additional chopped walnuts or pecans, banana slices, or a light sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and presentation.
  16. Chill Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
  • Chilling the frosted cake helps the frosting set and makes slicing easier.
  • Walnuts or pecans can be omitted if preferred or for nut allergies.
  • If you prefer a less sweet frosting, adjust powdered sugar quantity to taste.
  • Room temperature ingredients allow for better mixing and texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana cake, cream cheese frosting, banana dessert, moist banana cake, easy cake recipe, homemade cake, nutty banana cake

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Find it online: https://bitesbyluna.com/banana-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/