Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Posted by My Name is Alice on



If you're craving a moist, tender, and flavor-packed dessert, this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will quickly become your go-to recipe. It's the perfect way to use up ripe bananas while creating a dessert that’s equally loved for casual family dinners and special occasions. The sweet banana flavor paired with the tangy, rich cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible combination that’s impossible to resist.

This recipe ensures a soft, fluffy cake with just the right balance of sweetness and a hint of vanilla. Topped with velvety-smooth frosting, it’s the ultimate treat for banana lovers. Follow this easy step-by-step guide, and you'll have a dessert that rivals any bakery creation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly moist and fluffy thanks to the mashed ripe bananas and buttermilk.
  • Foolproof frosting with creamy, tangy goodness that complements the cake perfectly.
  • Perfect for any occasion: serve it at birthdays, holidays, or weekend get-togethers.
  • Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Banana Cake:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed – Ripe bananas are naturally sweet and add moisture to the cake. Use bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the perfect structure to make the cake soft yet sturdy.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works with the acid in the buttermilk to ensure a fluffy texture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the cake's flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the cake.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake while keeping it soft and tender.
  • 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the banana flavor with a touch of warmth.
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk – Ensures the cake is extra moist while reacting with the baking soda for a perfect rise.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The star ingredient for a tangy, creamy frosting.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
  • 3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting while creating a silky texture.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 18/7-inch baking pans (or use two 9-inch pans if preferred).
  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
  • In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is essential for a tender cake.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  • Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture (flour > buttermilk > flour). Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
  • Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed.

2. Bake the Cake

  • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared baking pans. Smooth out the tops with a spatula for even baking.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden and spring back when lightly touched.
  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer for the best results.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and beat until fully incorporated.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

4. Assemble the Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting over the top.
  • Add the second layer and spread more frosting evenly. Repeat with the final layer.
  • Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Smooth it out with an offset spatula for a polished look.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Banana Cake

  1. Use ripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. Look for bananas with brown spots.
  2. Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  3. Room-temperature ingredients – Ensure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
  4. Chill the cake before slicing – For clean slices, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before cutting.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
  • Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) on top for an extra crunch.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a showstopper. It’s light, moist, and brimming with banana flavor, while the cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious, tangy finish. With easy-to-follow steps and foolproof results, it’s the ultimate dessert for banana lovers.

Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply want to treat yourself, this banana cake is the perfect choice. Its classic flavors, soft texture, and stunning presentation make it a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.

Try this banana cake today and savor the perfect blend of sweetness, moisture, and irresistible cream cheese frosting! 🍌✨