If you have a soft spot for moist, flavorful cakes that really comfort the soul, then get ready to fall in love. The Best Banana Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe is a delightful treasure where ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while the luscious cream cheese frosting adds that velvety finish you crave. Every bite promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly remarkable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first joyful step in baking The Best Banana Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe. Each element is both simple and essential, playing a starring role in flavor, texture, and that irresistibly rich color you’ll adore.
- 1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas: The key to natural sweetness and moisture that keeps the cake tender.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Prevents the bananas from browning and adds a slight tang to balance sweetness.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure, holding the cake together with a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: The leavening agent that makes this cake wonderfully light and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness of the bananas and sugar.
- 3/4 cup softened butter: Adds richness and moisture for a tender bite.
- 2 1/8 cups sugar: Brown sugar works beautifully here to deepen flavor and add warmth.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for binding and adding a luxurious texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a sweet, comforting aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk: Brings richness and a slight tang, perfect for balancing sweetness (substitute milk + vinegar if needed).
- 1/2 cup softened butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy base for the luscious frosting.
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese: The star of the frosting, giving it that dreamy, tangy finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds depth and warmth.
- 3 1/2 cups icing sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting for perfect spreading consistency.
How to Make The Best Banana Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Bananas and Dry Ingredients
Start by mashing those ripe bananas with the lemon juice to keep them bright and fresh. This mash will be the heartbeat of your cake’s flavor. Meanwhile, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure they’re evenly distributed, which guarantees a tender, evenly risen cake.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using softened butter and sugar, beat them together until pale and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air that helps make the cake light and airy. It also starts to develop a rich, buttery sweetness that carries through every bite.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This encourages even mixing and ensures your cake has a silky texture. Then add in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting fragrance that signals comfort and indulgence.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
To maintain a tender crumb, add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately, beginning and ending with the flour. Mixing gently but thoroughly avoids overworking the batter and keeps the cake wonderfully soft.
Step 5: Fold in the Mashed Bananas
Gently fold the banana mixture into the batter, spreading that rich, natural sweetness evenly throughout. This is where the magic really starts to take shape, promising each slice a burst of banana goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes. The cake should come out golden brown and spring back slightly when touched. Let it cool completely before frosting for a flawless finish.
Step 7: Make the Creamy Frosting
Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then add vanilla extract. Gradually sift in the icing sugar and continue mixing until fluffy and spreadable. This frosting is unapologetically luscious and the perfect counterpoint to the tender cake.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Spread the creamy frosting generously over the cooled cake. Don’t be shy here — a thick layer seals in moisture and brings that celebrated creaminess that makes The Best Banana Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe stand out.
How to Serve The Best Banana Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, top your frosted banana cake with chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few thin banana slices. These little extras add texture and an inviting look that amps up the homemade charm.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee. The contrast of warm, sweet cake with creamy ice cream or rich coffee elevates every bite into a mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake as elegant mini cupcakes topped with individual swirls of frosting for parties, or layer it like a trifle with whipped cream and fresh berries for a stunning dessert centerpiece. The possibilities for creativity with The Best Banana Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover banana cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays moist and scrumptious for up to three days, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy seconds or thirds.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap it well in several layers of plastic and foil to avoid freezer burn. When properly wrapped, the cake freezes beautifully for up to three months while maintaining that signature moist texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen cake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you want to enjoy it warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that oven-fresh feeling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! Simply add 1 1/2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 1/2 cups of milk, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect buttermilk substitute that keeps your cake tender and moist.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can use a simple buttercream frosting instead, but keep in mind that the cream cheese adds the perfect tang and creaminess that defines this recipe. It’s worth grabbing some cream cheese for that authentic taste!
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with brown spots or even mostly brown skin. They’ll be sweeter and softer, which is exactly what you want for maximum flavor and moisture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to help the cake hold together properly.
Is this cake suitable for freezing with the frosting already applied?
Definitely. The cream cheese frosting freezes well and the cake maintains its moisture while frozen. Just make sure to wrap it very tightly to protect against freezer burn.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply comforting about baking and sharing The Best Banana Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe. From the warmth of the bananas to the luxurious frosting, it’s a treat that invites smiles and second helpings. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend indulgence or a special occasion, this cake is sure to become your go-to favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why it’s so beloved!
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The Best Banana Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and flavorful Banana Cake with Creamy Frosting Delight combines ripe bananas with a tender crumb and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this classic dessert delivers a rich, sweet, and creamy experience with every bite.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups bananas (mashed, very ripe)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (prevents browning)
- 3 cups flour (all-purpose)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (enhances sweetness)
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 2 1/8 cups sugar (feel free to use brown sugar)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (substitute with milk mixed with vinegar if needed)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups icing sugar
Instructions
- Prepare bananas: Mash the very ripe bananas in a bowl, then mix in 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to prevent browning and retain their fresh flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to ensure an even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, cream 3/4 cup softened butter with 2 1/8 cups sugar until fluffy and light in color. This step incorporates air, helping the cake rise.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate bananas and buttermilk: Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 1/2 cups buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently, then fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a suitable baking pan or use parchment paper for easy release.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting.
- Make the frosting: Beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and gradually blend in 3 1/2 cups icing sugar until the frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cake: Using a spatula or knife, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled banana cake. Slice into 12 pieces and serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice as a convenient alternative.
- Feel free to use brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like taste.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
