🍌 Irresistible Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 🍌
Light, fluffy, and packed with the natural sweetness of bananas, this banana cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting is a dessert made to impress! Whether it’s for a special celebration or just a sweet treat, this recipe combines the best of moist cake and creamy topping for a delightful experience.
Ingredients for a Perfect Banana Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🍞
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 🧁
- 1/2 tsp baking soda 🧂
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed 🍌
- 1/2 cup buttermilk 🥛
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter 🧈
- 2 cups powdered sugar 🍩
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- Pinch of salt 🧂
For Decoration:
- 1 banana, sliced 🍌
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a separate bowl and mix them into the batter along with the buttermilk.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. - Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fully combined. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate with fresh banana slices for a final touch.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake and indulge in this delicious dessert!
Tips for the Best Banana Cake
- Choose Ripe Bananas: Use bananas with brown spots—they provide maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
- Storing the Cake: Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
Yes, substitute with 1/2 cup of regular milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
2. Why is my banana cake dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the cake may be denser. For a better texture, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
4. Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap (without frosting) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Ensure the cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.
- Using Unripe Bananas: Unripe bananas lack the sweetness and softness needed for this recipe.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cake to avoid overbaking, which can result in a dry texture.
Enjoy baking and savoring this irresistible banana cake! 🍌🎂
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