Description
A simple, budget-friendly banana cake made with overripe bananas for natural moisture and sweetness, topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. This foolproof recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and uses pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large ripe bananas (blackened/spotted)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth (about 1 ½ cups).
- Add the softened butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bananas. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy and smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the completely cooled cake and serve.
Notes
Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake. Ensure all dairy ingredients (butter, cream cheese, eggs) are at room temperature for best texture. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: banana cake, cream cheese frosting, easy baking, moist banana bread, budget dessert, ripe bananas, comfort food