Description

This luscious banana cake features an incredibly tender crumb thanks to the addition of buttermilk and plenty of ripe bananas. Topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting and a hint of warm cinnamon, it is the perfect treat for using up overripe fruit.

Ingredients

3-4 medium very ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 oz full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 pinch salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on high speed until creamy, then add granulated and brown sugars and beat for 2 minutes until fluffy.
Mix in the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas until the mixture is uniform.
On low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set before slicing.

Notes

To ensure a perfectly smooth and light texture, always use room temperature eggs and buttermilk so the batter emulsifies correctly. If you find your frosting too soft to spread, add an extra 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American