Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Moist & Flavorful : The banana cake is packed with ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
2. Cream Cheese Magic : Tangy cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the sweet banana cake.
3. Versatile : Serve as a layer cake, sheet cake, or even cupcakes for any occasion.
4. Customizable : Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices for extra flair.
5. Crowd-Pleasing : Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Banana Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs , room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3–4 ripe bananas , mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
• ½ cup buttermilk , room temperature

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese , softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar , sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Banana Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake