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The Best Banana Cake Ever Recipe

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This is a moist and delicious banana cake layered with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Made with ripe mashed bananas, buttermilk, and a blend of warm spices, it's the perfect treat for banana lovers looking for a luscious dessert that's easy to make. The cake is baked to perfection and finished with a smooth frosting that complements the banana flavor beautifully, making it an irresistible classic.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 and 1/2 cups (345g) mashed bananas (about 4 medium or 3 large bananas)
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) buttermilk, at room temperature

For the Frosting

  • 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, plus an extra 1/4 cup if needed
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch metal or glass baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mash bananas: Using a mixer or fork, mash the bananas until smooth and set aside for later use in the batter.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
  4. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar on medium-high speed until creamy and light, about 3 minutes. Scrape the bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
  5. Add eggs, vanilla, and bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla extract, followed by the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined, scraping down as needed.
  6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter in three additions, starting and ending with the flour. Mix each addition just until incorporated; do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
  7. Bake the cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean. If the top browns too fast, tent with aluminum foil.
  8. Cool the cake: Remove from oven and place the pan on a cooling rack. Let the cake cool completely, approximately 45 minutes. Refrigerate afterward to speed cooling.
  9. Prepare frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then increase to high and beat 2 minutes. Add extra 1/4 cup sugar if you prefer thicker frosting.
  10. Frost the cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula and smooth to the edges.
  11. Set the frosting: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes to firm the frosting, making it easier to cut and serve.
  12. Store leftovers: Cover leftover cake tightly and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • Allow ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth batter and even baking.
  • Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to keep the cake tender and moist.
  • If you do not have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 and 1/2 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • The cake is best stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
  • Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for best taste.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/the-best-banana-cake-ever-recipe/