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Delicious brown sugar banana cake topped with fresh bananas and frosting

Brown Sugar Banana Cake

This delightful brown sugar banana cake is moist, tender, and bursting with sweet banana flavor, complemented by a rich cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with mashed bananas and buttermilk; mix until just combined, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
  5. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
Assembly
  1. Once cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer, then place the second layer on top.
  2. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

Notes

Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Make sure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.