Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of banana cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe has been a personal favorite for years, perfect for elevating ordinary occasions or making special moments unforgettable. The delightful combination of ripe bananas and creamy frosting creates a moist, tender cake that feels like a warm hug. Whether for a birthday celebration or just as an afternoon treat, this banana cake promises to be a hit!
Why you’ll love this dish
Why go through the trouble of making this banana cake yourself? For starters, it’s an incredible balance of sweetness and tang, largely thanks to the sour cream and cream cheese. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a leisurely weekend but impressive enough for any gathering. From families to friends, everyone seems to fall for its charm, often asking for seconds!
"This banana cake is hands down the best I’ve ever tasted! It’s moist, flavorful, and the cream cheese frosting is to die for!" – Happy Baker
Preparing Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Creating this delightful dessert is easier than you might think! You’ll combine simple ingredients to yield a moist cake and a rich frosting. The process begins with some basic prep in the kitchen but will have your family’s mouths watering in no time. Here’s how it all comes together:
What you’ll need
Before diving into the cooking, gather these key ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 medium bananas (mashed, about 2 cups)
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Feel free to use overripe bananas as they add extra sweetness.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your two 8-inch cake pans by greasing them thoroughly with non-stick spray.
- In one bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 1/3 cups of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 2 eggs, then add 1 cup of sour cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in 4 mashed bananas into the wet ingredients.
- Gradually, add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and combine until just mixed—don’t overmix!
- Divide the batter into the prepared pans evenly and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- In another bowl, beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until creamy.
- Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, blending until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting between the layers and on top.
Best ways to enjoy it
This banana cake with cream cheese frosting shines on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few fun serving ideas. Try pairing slices with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavors. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top adds a delightful crunch and a touch of elegance.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Storing this cake properly is key to maintaining its deliciousness. If you have leftovers, cover them with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, slice the cake first, wrap each piece with plastic and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying!
Helpful cooking tips
- Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for better flavor and moisture. The browner, the sweeter!
- Butter & Cream Cheese: Ensure that both your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve smooth frosting.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients; lumps are okay as they help keep your cake light and fluffy.
Creative twists
Feel free to give this banana cake your personal touch! Try adding chocolate chips or nutmeg for a cozy fall flavor. For an even richer cake, you might replace half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt or add a layer of caramel sauce in between the cake layers.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare and bake this cake?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking will take another 25 to 30 minutes. Don’t forget to factor in cooling time!
Can I substitute sour cream?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute. It offers a similar tanginess and moisture.
What’s the best way to store banana cake?
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
With this simple yet delectable banana cake recipe and cream cheese frosting, you’re sure to delight friends and family alike. Enjoy the wonderfully moist cake, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans thoroughly with non-stick spray.
- In one bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 1/3 cups of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 2 eggs, then add 1 cup of sour cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in 4 mashed bananas into the wet ingredients.
- Gradually, add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and combine until just mixed—don’t overmix!
- Divide the batter into the prepared pans evenly and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- In another bowl, beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until creamy.
- Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, blending until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting between the layers and on top.
