Best Ever Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients for Best Ever Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Bananas
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 1/8 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• Walnuts

How to Make Best Ever Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a small bowl, mash 3 ripe medium bananas and mix with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter and 2 1/8 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice). Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Stir in the mashed banana mixture.
8. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary; start checking at 60 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and immediately place the cake in the freezer for 45 minutes. This step enhances the cake's moisture.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
11. For the frosting: In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter and 8 ounces of cream cheese until smooth.
12. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
13. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined, then on high speed until smooth and fluffy.
14. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
15. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional).