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–+ servings
Soft textured dessert styled on a wooden plate.

Banana Cake Recipe

Moist banana cake made with ripe bananas, buttermilk, sour cream, cinnamon, and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Banana Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 3 c all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 c buttermilk room temperature
  • ½ c sour cream room temperature
  • ¾ c unsalted butter softened
  • 1 c granulated sugar
  • ½ c light brown sugar packed
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ c mashed overripe bananas about 4 medium bananas

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ c unsalted butter softened
  • 3 –4 c powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 –3 tbsp heavy cream as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Alternatively, prepare two 9-inch round baking pans.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
  • Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Buttermilk and Sour Cream

  • In a measuring glass or small bowl, mix the buttermilk and sour cream until smooth.
  • Set aside.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3–5 minutes, or until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas

  • Reduce the mixer speed to low.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Add the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
  • Mix until combined.

Step 6: Add the Dry and Wet Mixtures

  • With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture in 3 additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
  • Mix only until just combined.
  • A few small lumps are acceptable.

Step 7: Fill the Pan

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  • Smooth the top evenly with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

  • Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • If using two 9-inch round pans, bake for 25–30 minutes.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.

Step 10: Prepare the Frosting

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
  • Gradually add 3 c powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
  • Beat until creamy and smooth.

Step 11: Adjust the Frosting

  • Add additional powdered sugar for a thicker frosting, if desired.
  • Add heavy cream, 1 tbsp at a time, to thin the frosting to the desired consistency.

Step 12: Frost the Cake

  • Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Step 13: Garnish and Chill

  • Garnish with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or banana slices, if desired.
  • Chill the cake for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.

Step 14: Serve

  • Slice and serve once the frosting has set.

Notes

To make this Banana Cake Recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend suitable for cakes. Confirm that the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cream cheese, butter, buttermilk, sour cream, heavy cream, and any garnishes are labeled gluten-free and free from cross-contact warnings. Use clean bowls, mixers, spatulas, pans, parchment paper, measuring tools, and cooling racks to prevent gluten contamination.