Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Flavorful : The banana cake is packed with ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Cream Cheese Magic : Tangy cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the sweet banana cake.
- Versatile : Serve as a layer cake, sheet cake, or even cupcakes for any occasion.
- Customizable : Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices for extra flair.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Banana Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3–4 ripe bananas , mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup buttermilk , room temperature
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese , softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar , sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Banana Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.