Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Why Make This Recipe

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that can brighten up any day. This cake is moist, flavorful, and offers a perfect balance of sweetness. With the rich and creamy frosting, it becomes a classic dessert loved by many. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a sweet slice, this recipe is sure to impress.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped toasted nuts (optional)

Directions

To Make the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar until creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

To Make the Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the vanilla extract and beat again.
3. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar while mixing until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can also add chopped toasted nuts for extra flavor and crunch, if you like. Slice the cake into squares and serve on a plate. It’s perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.

How to Store Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it without the frosting. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
• Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth frosting.
• Don’t skip the cooling time for the cake; adding frosting to a warm cake can cause it to melt.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips or walnuts to the batter for added flavor. If you prefer a different frosting, consider a simple vanilla buttercream or a chocolate frosting.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mashing.

2. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge without frosting until you’re ready to serve.

3. What if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, you can add a little milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in this deliciously moist banana cake, perfectly spiced and topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. It's an ideal treat for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweet banana flavor and creamy texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Banana Cake

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup Light brown sugar packed
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups Very ripe mashed bananas
• 0.5 cup Buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz Full-fat cream cheese softened
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter softened
• 3 cups Powdered sugar sifted
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 pinch Salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Rubber spatula
• Offset spatula

Method

 

Banana Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the large eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and very ripe mashed bananas until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until just combined after each addition.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened full-fat cream cheese and softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy.

Assembly

1. Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top.
2. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and then frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Notes

For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting. Do not overmix the cake batter once flour is added, as this can result in a tough cake.