Intro:
There’s something so comforting about a warm slice of homemade banana cake. The sweet aroma fills the kitchen, promising a delicious treat to share with loved ones or enjoy on a cozy evening. This recipe for Ultimate Banana Cake is a delightful blend of moist cake layers infused with ripe bananas, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect way to make use of those overripe bananas sitting on your counter and create a decadent dessert that everyone will love.
Title: Ultimate Banana Cake
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
– 1 cup buttermilk
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until well combined and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Cake:
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
3. Optional: Garnish with banana slices or chopped nuts for a decorative touch.
Enjoy your Ultimate Banana Cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat that will surely impress your family and friends.
