Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Cake


This Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Cake is a delightful fusion of two classic flavors: the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the tangy richness of cream cheese frosting. The cake itself is incredibly moist, tender, and infused with banana goodness, while the frosting adds just the right amount of creaminess and zing. It’s perfect for birthdays, brunches, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up!

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients : In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar : In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla : Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients : Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the mashed bananas. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  6. Pour Batter into Pans : Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed to avoid dust clouds, then increase to high speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
  2. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top of the first layer, ensuring it reaches the edges.
  3. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top as desired.
  4. For an extra touch, garnish with sliced bananas or a sprinkle of cinnamon.


 

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