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
Scale
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.
