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Best Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

This Best Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with ripe bananas, buttermilk, and a blend of brown and granulated sugars, this banana cake is tender and rich. The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy contrast topped with crunchy Nilla wafer crumbs for extra texture. Perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat, this cake combines classic flavors with a delightful twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Cake

  • 2/3 cup butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 Tbsp sour cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 medium bananas, mashed (or 3 large bananas)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 10 Tbsp butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–4 Tbsp half & half (or heavy cream or milk)
  • pinch of salt, to taste

Topping

  • 1/2–3/4 cup Nilla wafers, crushed into crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch circular cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sour cream: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the sour cream and continue to beat until fully combined.
  3. Add sugars: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter mixture. Cream together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
  4. Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
  5. Sift dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined, it’s okay if some flour remains slightly unincorporated.
  7. Add flavorings and bananas: Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until the batter is evenly mixed.
  8. Divide batter: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared pans, spreading it into an even layer. Tap each pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  9. Bake: Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the cakes are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
  10. Prepare frosting: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  11. Add flavor and adjust consistency: Mix in the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons half & half. If frosting is too thick, add additional half & half 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  12. Assemble cake layer 1: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread one-third of the frosting over the layer evenly and sprinkle a generous amount of the crushed Nilla wafer crumbs.
  13. Assemble cake layer 2: Place the second cake layer on top, repeat frosting and vanilla wafer crumb topping as with the first layer.
  14. Top and finish: Add the final cake layer on top and frost the entire top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle the remaining vanilla wafer crumbs over the cake for a decorative, crunchy finish.
  15. Serving and storage: Serve the cake immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Refrigeration helps the frosting set and enhances flavors.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
  • Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture in the cake.
  • For easier slicing, chill the cake for at least an hour before serving.
  • You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred.

Keywords: banana cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, banana dessert, homemade cake, birthday cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/best-banana-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/