If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both scrumptious and easy to make, look no further than this delightful Banana Cake recipe. Featuring a moist, fluffy texture and a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is ideal for any celebration or as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
3 ripe bananas, mashed
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in Bananas and Sour Cream: Add the sour cream and mashed bananas to the mixture, blending until combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this delectable banana cake to your family and friends.
Serving Tips:
Serve Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve the banana cake fresh. It’s ideal for a special occasion or as a delightful treat any time of the day.
Garnish: Enhance the cake’s appearance by garnishing with sliced bananas or a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture.
Room Temperature: Banana cake is best served at room temperature. Allow the cake to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to ensure the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover banana cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to be kept cold to prevent it from spoiling. Properly stored, the cake will last for up to 5 days.
Freezing: To extend the cake’s shelf life, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Frosting Storage: If you have leftover frosting, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 2 weeks. Rewhip the frosting with a mixer before using to restore its fluffy texture.
Portion Control: If you’re planning to freeze individual servings, cut the cake into slices before freezing. This allows you to defrost only the amount you need, reducing waste.
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FAQs:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this banana cake recipe. However, whole wheat flour may make the cake denser and slightly less tender. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour or opt for white whole wheat flour.
Can I use a different type of frosting for this banana cake?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is a popular choice, you can use other types of frosting, such as buttercream, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream. Each frosting option will give the cake a different flavor and texture, so choose one that complements your taste preference.
How can I make this banana cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free banana cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking soda and baking powder, are also gluten-free.
Can I add mix-ins to the banana cake batter?
Yes, you can customize your banana cake by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or dried fruits (such as raisins or coconut flakes). Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
This Banana Cake is a standout recipe because of its soft, tender crumb and the sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting that pairs perfectly with the banana flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon treat. Plus, the simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it accessible for bakers of all levels.
📖 Recipe:
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Banana Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a slice of moist and fluffy Banana Cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This delectable cake, perfect for any occasion, combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, creamy frosting. Ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or a cozy afternoon treat, this Banana Cake recipe is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
3 ripe bananas, mashed
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Stir in sour cream and mashed bananas until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cake completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
Ensure bananas are ripe for the best flavor.
Cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
For extra flavor, add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
