Introduction

Indulge in the delightful world of homemade desserts with our indulgent banana cake, perfectly paired with a silky cream cheese frosting. This recipe is a celebration of ripe bananas, bringing their natural sweetness and moist texture to every bite. The cake is light yet flavorful, thanks to the careful blending of ingredients like buttermilk and vanilla extract, which enhance the banana’s essence.

Topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, this banana cake transforms into a luxurious treat. The frosting is incredibly smooth and easy to spread, creating a beautiful finish that’s both visually appealing and delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this banana cake with cream cheese frosting is sure to impress. Follow our simple steps for a foolproof recipe that guarantees a crowd-pleasing dessert every time.

Ingredients of Decadent Banana Cake

For the Cake:

3 ripe bananas, mashed: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Aids in leavening and browning.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
1/2 cup buttermilk: Makes the cake tender and moist.

For the Silky Cream Cheese Frosting:

- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides a rich, tangy base.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and smoothness.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.

Directions of Decadent Banana Cake

Preparing the Cake

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. This helps the cake release easily after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, ensuring your cake rises evenly and has a consistent texture.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes and is key for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. This gradual addition helps maintain the emulsion, which is important for the cake’s texture.
Combine Wet and Dry : Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture (i.e., add flour, then buttermilk, then flour, etc.). Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
Incorporate Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed bananas using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the airiness of the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully baked. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Making the Silky Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is creamy and smooth, about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures the frosting is not too runny or too stiff.

Frosting the Indulgent Banana Cake

Spread Frosting: Once the cake is completely cooled, use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Start by placing a large dollop of frosting in the center and spread it outwards to the edges. This technique helps to create an even layer of frosting.
Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the moist banana cake with the rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cake fresh.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Cake

Use Ripe Bananas: The ripeness of your bananas makes a big difference. Ripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and more flavorful, making your cake naturally sweet and moist. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe.
Room Temperature : Ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend more easily and evenly, resulting in a smoother batter and frosting.
Measuring Accurately: Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for precise flour measurements, and make sure to level off your dry ingredients with a knife to avoid adding too much.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep the batter light and airy. Fold in the mashed bananas gently.
Properly Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour the baking pan well to prevent the cake from sticking. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper for easier removal.
Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking, as it can make the cake dry.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Make sure the cake is completely cool before applying the frosting. If the cake is warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
Beat Frosting Until Smooth: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened before beating them together. This will give you a smooth, creamy frosting without lumps.
Add Mix-ins: For added texture and flavor, consider folding in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut with the bananas. These mix-ins can add a delightful crunch and extra flavor to the cake.
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. The cake can be stored for up to 4 days.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This ensures the right consistency for the batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and frost it before serving. The flavors often improve with a day of rest.

Can I freeze banana cake? Yes, banana cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain its moist texture.

What can I use instead of buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

How do I store leftover cake? Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. This helps to maintain its moistness and flavor.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter? Yes, you can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Fold them into the batter with the mashed bananas. Walnuts, pecans, or semi-sweet chocolate chips are great options.

Conclusion

This indulgent banana cake with silky cream cheese frosting is a delightful dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the creamy tanginess of the frosting. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Follow these simple steps and tips to create a cake that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking!

Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this indulgent banana cake is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Easy to Follow Recipe

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. With clear instructions and simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious cake with confidence. The step-by-step directions ensure that you achieve perfect results every time.

Perfect for Any Occasion

The indulgent banana cake is suitable for various occasions. It’s a fantastic choice for potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings. Its moist and tender crumb, combined with the luscious cream cheese frosting, makes it a standout dessert that will impress your guests.

Customizable Add-Ins

One of the great features of this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it with various add-ins to suit your preferences. Consider folding in:

Chopped nuts: Such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Chocolate chips: To add a touch of chocolatey goodness.
Shredded coconut: For a tropical twist.

These additions can enhance the flavor and texture, making the cake even more delightful.

Tips for Success

To ensure your banana cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:

Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and moisture.
Accurately measure ingredients: Precision is key in baking to achieve the right texture.
Avoid overmixing: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the cake light and airy.
Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and becoming runny.

Storing and Serving

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy its best texture and flavor. This cake can be stored for up to 4 days, making it convenient for advance preparation.

Final Thoughts

This indulgent banana cake with silky cream cheese frosting is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. The natural sweetness of the bananas paired with the tangy, creamy frosting creates a balanced and delicious treat. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing this delightful cake with your loved ones!

Decadent Banana Cake Recipe: Silky Cream Cheese Frosting Delight

Author: Taylor Harisson
Total Time: 50 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A moist and flavorful banana cake topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in mashed bananas.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
Frost Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Use ripe bananas with brown spots for best flavor.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg