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Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Author: Martha
  • Total Time: 1 hour & 30 minutes

Description

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, tender dessert that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese frosting. The banana cake is light yet flavorful, with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth, enhanced by the warm, comforting taste of banana. The velvety cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, indulgent finish, complementing the cake’s sweetness with its creamy and slightly tangy notes. This irresistible treat is often garnished with banana slices or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture and visual appeal. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or simply as a delicious everyday indulgence, Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a crowd-pleasing dessert that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

For the cream cheese frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Bananas: The bananas not only enhance the flavor of the cake but also provide natural moisture, ensuring a soft, dense texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Cream cheese provides the perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess for the frosting, complementing the sweet banana cake.
  • Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cake, elevating the overall taste.
  • Yogurt/Sour Cream: These ingredients help keep the cake moist while adding a subtle tang that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the bananas.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Prepare the Cake Batter:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Add Mashed Bananas and Yogurt: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and yogurt. You should have a thick but slightly lumpy batter at this stage.
  6. Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the vegetable oil. Start with the flour mixture, then the oil, ending with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix, as this could result in a denser cake.
  7. Divide the Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Bake the Cake:

  1. Bake: Place the cake pans in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown on top.
  2. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened for the best texture.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if desired). Beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and light.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Frost the Cake: Place the first layer of the cooled banana cake onto a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  2. Decorate: If desired, garnish with banana slices, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 40-50 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12-16
  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 3g

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Find it online: https://quickerbites.com/banana-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/