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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This buttery, moist banana cake is topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 3 large Ripe bananas The spottier the better, about 1 1/2 cups mashed.
  • 1.5 cups All-purpose flour Fluffs up the cake without making it dense.
  • 0.5 cups Granulated sugar For sweetness.
  • 0.25 cups Brown sugar Adds moisture.
  • 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, softened To cream nicely.
  • 2 Eggs Room temperature for best results.
  • 0.5 cups Buttermilk or milk with a splash of vinegar Keeps things tender.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Flavor booster.
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional) For a warm note.
Frosting Ingredients
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened For creamy frosting.
  • 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar Add a cup at a time.
  • 1 pinch Salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice or vanilla extract (optional) For tanginess.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13 pan or two 8-inch rounds, lining with parchment if desired.
  2. Mash the bananas with a fork, leaving a few small lumps.
  3. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugars together for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla.
Mixing
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional spice.
  2. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix.
  3. Gently fold in the mashed bananas until just combined.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28 to 35 minutes for a 9 x 13 pan, or 25 to 30 minutes for rounds, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  2. Cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
  1. Beat softened cream cheese with soft butter until smooth, then add the powdered sugar a cup at a time, along with a pinch of salt and lemon juice or vanilla to taste.
  2. Adjust to achieve a creamy, spreadable frosting.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting. Allow slices to warm a bit before serving. For sharper slices, chill the frosted cake before cutting.