Ingredients
– 1 and 1/2 cups mashed bananas (approximately 4 medium or 3 large ripe bananas)
– 3 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 or dark brown sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature (can be made by mixing whole milk with lemon juice or vinegar)
– 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus an additional 1/4 cup if needed for thickening
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1-Getting started with this banana cake: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch pan to ensure easy removal later. This step sets the stage for a perfectly baked cake that’s full of flavor.
2-Next: mash the bananas until smooth and set them aside this adds natural sweetness and moisture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to blend the dry ingredients evenly.
3-Now: beat the softened butter on high speed until it’s creamy, which takes about a minute. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating for another 2 minutes, then scrape down the bowl. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined, and fold in the mashed bananas for that signature taste.
4-Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk in three parts on low speed, mixing just until incorporated the batter will be thick and a bit lumpy, which is normal. Spread the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 45 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil to keep it even.
5-Once baked, let the cake cool completely, speeding things up by refrigerating after 45 minutes. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low then high speed for 2 minutes, adding extra sugar if you want it thicker. Frost the cooled cake and chill for 30 minutes to set. With a prep time of 30 minutes, cook time of 45 minutes, and total time around 5 hours including cooling, this recipe fits into any schedule.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍌 Use very ripe, spotty bananas for best sweetness and flavor.
❄️ Thaw frozen bananas, drain excess liquid, then mash for use.
🥛 Buttermilk is essential for moisture and activates baking soda; make your own with lemon juice or vinegar.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
