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Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and tender dessert that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with tangy, rich cream cheese frosting. Easy to prepare with common pantry staples, it’s perfect for birthdays, casual gatherings, or a wholesome snack. The cake features a luscious texture and a flavorful cream cheese topping that melts in your mouth, making it a beloved treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Cake

  • 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter or oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or plant-based cream cheese for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bananas and Preheat Oven: Start by mashing 3 to 4 ripe bananas until smooth. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line your baking pan to ensure the cake comes out easily.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter or oil with sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Your batter should be smooth and fragrant.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and prevents lumps in the cake.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting to achieve the best texture.
  6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing, then stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice if using, to brighten the flavor.
  7. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Frost between layers if making a layered cake or simply cover the top for a classic single-layer treat.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas: The riper, the better for sweetness and moisture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
  • Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are soft for smooth mixing.
  • Cool completely: Frosting melts if applied on warm cake, ruining the texture.
  • Test for doneness: Use a toothpick to avoid overbaking, which dries out the cake.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana cake, cream cheese frosting, moist banana cake, easy banana cake, gluten-free banana cake, vegan banana cake option