Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana cake wafting through the kitchen, making it hard to resist. I remember the first time I made Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting; it was a rainy afternoon, and the dark clouds outside only heightened my desire for a cozy treat. The moment I sliced into the cake, revealing its soft, moist texture and the rich, creamy frosting, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. This cake is not just for birthdays; it’s perfect for any occasion, or even just a regular day when you need a little sweetness in your life.

Ingredients Required for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

When it comes to baking, quality ingredients matter. The synergy between the rich, creamy frosting and the moist banana cake creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role in ensuring your cake turns out perfectly every time.

• 3 cups (425g) all-purpose flour – This is the foundation of your cake, providing structure and texture.
• 1 tsp baking soda – This is your leavening agent, ensuring your cake rises beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp salt – A crucial ingredient that enhances the flavors of the cake.
• 1 1/2 cups (368g) mashed overripe bananas – The star of the show, these bananas add moisture and sweetness.
• 1 tsp lemon juice – This brightens the flavor and complements the bananas.
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened – Contributes to the cake’s rich flavor and moist texture.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil – Helps keep the cake moist.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – Sweetness that balances the cake’s flavors.
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light-brown sugar – Adds a hint of caramel flavor.
• 3 large eggs – These bind the ingredients and add richness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For an extra layer of flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups (350 ml) buttermilk – Keeps the cake tender and moist.
• 1 1/4 cups (295ml) heavy cream – Used in the frosting for a rich texture.
• 14oz cream cheese, nearly at room temperature – The main ingredient for the frosting, providing creaminess and tang.
• 1/3 cup (74g) unsalted butter, nearly at room temperature – For making the frosting smooth and rich.
• 1 3/4 cups (210g) powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Just a touch to elevate the frosting flavor.

Preparation Steps for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a joyful process that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll create a cake that’s sure to impress!

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. This ensures a consistent baking temperature. While it’s heating, gather your tools and ingredients.
2. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help the cake release easily after baking. Line the bottoms with parchment paper, butter the parchment too, and dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt for about 30 seconds. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.
4. In another bowl, mash your bananas with lemon juice. The lemon juice enhances the banana flavor and prevents browning.
5. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip together butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This can take about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each before adding the next. This step is crucial for creating a light texture in your cake.
7. Add in vanilla and the mashed bananas, stirring until everything is just combined.
8. With the mixer set on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture alternately with buttermilk in three separate batches, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined after each addition; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula as needed. This ensures even baking.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
11. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a separate bowl and set aside.
12. Switch back to the paddle attachment, add cream cheese and butter into the stand mixer, and whip together until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as necessary.
13. Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping on medium speed for an additional 2 minutes until combined.
14. Fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream, taking care not to deflate it.
15. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake layers, stacking them if desired. Keep the cake cool until ready to serve.

Recipe Variations about Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of variations you can explore with the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: This cake freezes well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert.
• Add-Ins: Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Frosting Options: You can experiment with different frostings, such as a chocolate ganache or a simple whipped cream topping.

What to Serve With Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some suggestions:

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the sweet flavors of the cake wonderfully.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream can add a delightful creaminess to each bite.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced strawberries or a side of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream can enhance the richness of the cake.
• Celebration Treat: This cake is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. It’s sure to impress guests!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful combination of moist banana cake and rich frosting that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. It’s not just a cake; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the happiness it brings to your table and your loved ones.

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

The ultimate comfort food, Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is moist, sweet, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings, this easy-to-make cake is a delightful treat that everyone will love. Indulge in a slice tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 14 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Blender
• Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1.5 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 light-brown sugar (packed)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups buttermilk
• 1.25 cups heavy cream
• 14 oz cream cheese (nearly at room temperature)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (nearly at room temperature)
• 1.75 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. This ensures a consistent baking temperature. While it’s heating, gather your tools and ingredients.
• Butter two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help the cake release easily after baking. Line the bottoms with parchment paper, butter the parchment too, and dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt for about 30 seconds. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.
• In another bowl, mash your bananas with lemon juice. The lemon juice enhances the banana flavor and prevents browning.
• In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip together butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This can take about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each before adding the next. This step is crucial for creating a light texture in your cake.
• Add in vanilla and the mashed bananas, stirring until everything is just combined.
• With the mixer set on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture alternately with buttermilk in three separate batches, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined after each addition; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula as needed. This ensures even baking.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
• While the cakes are cooling, prepare the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a separate bowl and set aside.
• Switch back to the paddle attachment, add cream cheese and butter into the stand mixer, and whip together until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as necessary.
• Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping on medium speed for an additional 2 minutes until combined.
• Fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream, taking care not to deflate it.
• Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake layers, stacking them if desired. Keep the cake cool until ready to serve.

Notes

• Tip 1: Frost within 30 minutes of serving for the best results.
• Tip 2: Store leftover cake in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Tip 3: Allow the cake to rest at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes before enjoying.
• Tip 4: Use overripe, practically black bananas for maximum sweetness.

Keyword banana cake recipe, cream cheese frosting, Easy Banana Cake, moist banana cake

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.