Description
This moist banana cake is a masterclass in texture, combining a tender buttermilk crumb with the deep, caramel-like sweetness of overripe fruit. Finished with a decadent cream cheese frosting, it is an elegant dessert that elevates simple pantry staples into a bakery-quality treat.
Ingredients
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, mash the bananas until they are smooth with a few small chunks remaining.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter for 1 minute, then add both sugars and cream on high speed for 2 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract on medium-high speed, then fold in the mashed bananas and scrape the bowl sides.
- Add the dry ingredients in three parts and the buttermilk in two parts, alternating and beginning/ending with the dry ingredients.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake completely on a wire rack before frosting with a whipped mixture of cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Notes
For the best results, use bananas that have turned almost black; the high sugar content at this stage is what gives the cake its signature moisture and depth. To prevent a dense crumb, avoid over-mixing once the flour is added, and ensure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature to maintain a proper emulsion.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American