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Brown Butter Banana Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting on a plate

Brown Butter Banana Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A cozy and slightly fancy banana layer cake with toasty brown butter and tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations or weeknight treats.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1.5 cups mashed overripe bananas About 3 overripe bananas
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Browned and cooled
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar Packed
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs At room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese Block kind, not spreadable
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar Sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Method
 

Baking the Cake
  1. Preheat the oven. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by lining with parchment circles.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, both sugars, and the cooled brown butter.
  4. Add the eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla, then mix until smooth.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—do not overmix.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting
  1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
  3. Add vanilla extract and salt, and whip until fluffy. If frosting is too soft, chill for 15-20 minutes.
Assembling the Cake
  1. Once the cake layers are completely cool, level the tops if necessary.
  2. Place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
  3. Add the second layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat around the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Chill for 15 minutes.
  4. Apply the final coat of frosting and smooth it out. Decorate with banana chips, walnuts, or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.