Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This moist and flavorful Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas. With its rich, creamy frosting and tender crumb, it's a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve it as a dessert for gatherings or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 2 Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• 1 Hand or stand mixer
• 9x13-inch baking pan (or two 9-inch round pans)
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Spatula
• 3 Measuring cups and spoons
• 1 Parchment paper (optional, for lining)

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute: 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
• 3 medium bananas mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

For the Cake:

• Preheat the Oven:

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  
• Mix Dry Ingredients:

  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  
• Cream Butter and Sugars:

  In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  
• Add Eggs and Vanilla:

  Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  
• Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  Add the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  
• Bake:

  Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  
• Cool:

  Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:

  In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  
• Frost the Cake:

  Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
  

Video

Notes

Banana Ripeness: Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest, most flavorful cake.
Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before spreading.
Storage: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Keyword Banana Cake, Blueberry Dessert, Easy Recipe, Frosting

How About Alternatives?

If you want alternatives to the ingredients or methods in the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, you can explore many options to match various dietary needs and flavor preferences.

For example, when avoiding dairy, you can replace butter with a plant-based option like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Swap buttermilk with almond milk or oat milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar to achieve the same tangy acidity that enhances the cake’s texture.

You can also choose dairy-free cream cheese to create a frosting that stays equally rich and satisfying. For a healthier twist, replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for natural sweetness. Substitute whole wheat flour or almond flour for all-purpose flour to add a nutty flavor and extra nutrients.

To reduce fat content without losing moisture, try replacing part of the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt. These simple adjustments let you customize the recipe while maintaining the cake’s deliciously indulgent character.

The Bottom Line

This luscious Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a celebration in every bite. Moist, dense, and brimming with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, it’s perfectly complemented by a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting.

Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, this cake will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.