Banana Cake

Banana Cake

Banana cake is a delightful and moist dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make and sure to please everyone. With its creamy frosting and rich flavor, it’s a treat you’ll want to bake again and again!

Why Make This Recipe

This banana cake recipe is not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare. It’s a fantastic way to use overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Whether it’s for a birthday, a family gathering, or just a special dessert at home, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the combination of cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish that elevates the cake to another level!

How to Make Banana Cake

Making a banana cake is simple and fun! Here’s how you can do it.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of salted butter, softened
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 2 cups of mashed bananas (about 4 large)
• 2 additional bananas for decorating
• Juice of 1 lemon if decorating the exterior of the cake with banana slices
• 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of salted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup of heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
6. Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
10. For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined, then add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
12. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
13. Decorate with additional banana slices if desired.

How to Serve Banana Cake

Serve banana cake on a beautiful plate, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can enjoy it as a snack, a dessert, or even at breakfast!

How to Store Banana Cake

To keep your banana cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

Tips to Make Banana Cake

• Make sure your bananas are ripe; the browner they are, the sweeter your cake will be.
• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the cake batter; mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Variation

You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for some extra crunch. Another variation is to add chocolate chips for a delicious chocolate banana cake!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work great for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.

3. How can I make the frosting less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting or add more cream cheese to balance the sweetness.

Now you have a wonderful recipe for banana cake that you can easily follow. Happy baking!