Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A moist and flavorful banana cake topped with rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations and everyday treats.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 medium ripe bananas Very ripe with brown spots recommended for maximum sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free flour.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Can substitute with baking soda if using buttermilk.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda Can substitute with baking powder (adjust if using buttermilk).
- ½ teaspoon salt No substitutes necessary.
- 2 large eggs A flax egg can be used for a vegan option.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Almond extract can be used for a different flavor.
For the Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Can use vegan cream cheese or mascarpone as alternatives.
- 2 cups powdered sugar Coconut sugar can be used for a healthier option.
- 2 tablespoons milk Non-dairy milk can be used for a vegan option.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth, ensuring no large lumps remain.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the melted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined without over-mixing.
- Divide the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and smooth frosting on the top and sides.
Notes
Make sure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness. Allow cream cheese to soften beforehand to avoid lumps in frosting. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.