Name: Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 0.5 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 4 ripe bananas (mashed); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature); 0.5 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 pinch salt; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect treat to elevate any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon gathering or a festive holiday celebration. This delightful cake combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a creamy, tangy frosting that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The moist and tender crumb makes this cake a great addition to your dessert repertoire, and the best part? It’s simple to whip up!

Reasons to Love Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

There are countless reasons to adore this Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Firstly, it’s incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the ripe bananas that infuse the cake with natural sweetness. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and creamy finish that perfectly complements the cake’s flavor. Additionally, this recipe is quick to make, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also versatile; you can serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert. Lastly, who can resist a cake that looks as good as it tastes? It’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends!

What You’ll Gather

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups (266.67g) granulated sugar
0.5 cup (54.5ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
8 ounces (226.8g) cream cheese, at room temperature
0.5 cup (113.5g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Pinch of salt
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

Essential Tools for Success

Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients effortlessly.
Whisk – perfect for mixing dry ingredients and creaming butter and sugar.
Measuring cups and spoons – ensure accurate measurements for perfect results.
9×13 inch baking pan – the ideal size for this moist cake.
Electric mixer – makes beating the frosting a breeze.
Spatula – for scraping down the sides of the bowl and spreading frosting.

Method: Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your cake releases easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside, allowing the dry ingredients to blend.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and vegetable oil. Add in the eggs, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and pinch of salt, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top of the cake, using a spatula for a smooth finish. Feel free to decorate with banana slices or nuts for an extra touch!

Holiday-Friendly Variations

Nutty Banana Cake: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
Chocolate Chip Delight: Stir in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Spiced Banana Cake: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the frosted cake for an indulgent touch.

Slip-Ups to Skip

To ensure your Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting turns out perfectly, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

Using unripe bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Overmixing the batter: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Skipping the cooling step: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for the best results.

Shelf Life & Storage

Your Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can be stored for up to 3 days at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. If you need to store it for an extended period, consider freezing the un-frosted cake for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and frost as desired!

Healthy-ish Favorites

Serve & Enjoy

Slice up your Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and serve it on a pretty plate. This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful afternoon treat. Whether enjoyed at a gathering or as a personal indulgence, this cake is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction.

There’s nothing quite like the sweet aroma of a freshly baked cake wafting through your home. This Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to share love and joy through food. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and let the delightful flavors of this cake brighten your day!