Description
This classic Banana Cake features moist, flavorful layers infused with ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, this cake combines a tender crumb with rich, luscious frosting for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 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
Frosting Ingredients
- 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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Bananas: Stir in the sour cream and mashed ripe bananas until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet batter, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cake texture.
- Pour Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to prevent the frosting from melting later.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is fluffy and evenly mixed.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice the cake and serve.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Sour cream helps add moisture and a slight tang to balance sweetness.
- The frosting can be adjusted in thickness by varying the heavy cream amount.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
