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A close up nicely-made banana cake slice

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
Cook Time 50 minutes
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.
    Open oven preheating with a tray inside, illuminated with a warm light
  • Mix Dry Ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    close up view of dry ingredients for banana cake
  • 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).
    butter and sugar
  • Add Eggs and Vanilla:
    Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
    adding vanilla
  • 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.
    A close up view of combining bananas and rest ingredients
  • 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.
    Image showing baking the cake
  • Cool:
    Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
    coolimg the cake

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.
    frosting cake
  • Frost the Cake:
    Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
    Close view of cake frosting process

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