Name: Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 medium Bananas (ripe, mashed); 8 tablespoons Butter (softened); ½ cup Brown Sugar; ½ cup Granulated Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 large Eggs (room temperature); 1 ½ cups All-purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; ½ teaspoon Baking Powder; ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt; ½ cup Chopped Nuts (optional); 8 tablespoons Butter (softened); 8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature); 1 teaspoon Maple Extract; 2 cups Powdered Sugar

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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of ripe bananas with the rich creaminess of frosting, look no further! This Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in, this cake is sure to impress.

This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to satisfy even the most discerning palates. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a cake that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your mixing bowls and get ready to bake!

Reasons to Love Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Quick and Simple: This recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for those unexpected cravings or last-minute gatherings.
Deliciously Moist: The combination of bananas and butter ensures a moist and tender cake that melts in your mouth.
Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the banana flavor.
Versatile: This cake can be customized with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra special touch.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, potluck, or just a treat for yourself, this cake fits right in.

Ingredient Notes

Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The more spots, the better!
Butter: Softened butter helps create a rich base for the cake. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor to the cake.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to the cake’s structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help the batter mix together more easily.
All-purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure for the cake.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and achieve a light texture.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Chopped Nuts: Optional, but they add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
Cream Cheese: Use room temperature for a smooth frosting texture.
Maple Extract: Adds a unique flavor twist to the cream cheese frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.

Appliances & Accessories

Mixing Bowls: Essential for mixing your ingredients together.
Electric Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar easy and efficient.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan works best for this cake.
Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and spreading frosting.
Cooling Rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly before frosting.

Directions: Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large mixing bowl, cream together 8 tablespoons of softened butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 room temperature eggs. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed bananas. Mix until just combined. If using, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

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. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 tablespoons of softened butter, 8 oz of cream cheese, and 1 teaspoon of maple extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until well combined and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle with additional chopped nuts for decoration.

Fit It to Your Goals

Nut-Free Option: Omit the chopped nuts for a nut-free cake that everyone can enjoy.
Less Sweet Version: Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to suit your taste.
Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

This Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a family favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The moist texture and rich flavor make it a hit at parties, and it’s often requested for birthdays and special occasions. The cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch, adding a delightful tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas.

Feel free to experiment with flavor additions, such as cinnamon or chocolate chips, for a unique twist.
Don’t skip the cooling step! Frosting a warm cake can lead to a melty mess.
For an extra touch, consider topping the cake with fresh banana slices right before serving.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

This cake is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Can I use frozen bananas for this cake?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas work great to add moisture and flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just frost it right before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

If you prefer a different flavor, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt. Just note that the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

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Bring It Home

Making this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just about enjoying a delicious dessert; it’s about creating memories with loved ones. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, a potluck, or just enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is bound to bring smiles and satisfaction. So why wait? Dive into this delightful recipe and treat yourself today!