Banana Bliss Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description of this recipe
This Banana Bliss Layer Cake is a moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible dessert that elevates the humble banana bread into a show-stopping centerpiece. Two layers of tender banana cake, infused with warm spices and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, are generously frosted with a tangy and smooth cream cheese frosting. It’s a comforting classic with a touch of elegance, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of homemade happiness.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore this recipe for its simplicity and incredible taste. The banana cake itself is incredibly moist and stays that way for days, thanks to the buttermilk and mashed bananas. The cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake with its tangy flavor and creamy texture. It’s also a recipe that’s easily adaptable; you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to customize it to your liking. Plus, the layers make it feel extra special, turning a simple banana cake into a celebration-worthy dessert.
Introduction
Banana cake holds a special place in the world of comfort food. It’s a recipe often born from a desire to use up overripe bananas, transforming what might otherwise be discarded into something truly delightful. This Banana Bliss Layer Cake takes that concept and elevates it to a new level. We’re not just talking about a simple loaf; we’re crafting a layered masterpiece, a symphony of banana flavor and creamy tang.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachability. While it might look impressive, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice bakers. The secret to the cake’s exceptional texture is the combination of buttermilk and mashed bananas. Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and tenderizes the gluten in the flour, resulting in a soft, delicate crumb. The mashed bananas, of course, contribute moisture and a rich banana flavor that deepens as the cake sits.
The cream cheese frosting is the perfect counterpoint to the sweet banana cake. Its tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the cake, while its smooth, velvety texture complements the cake’s tender crumb. The key to a perfect cream cheese frosting is to use softened cream cheese and butter and to beat them together until light and fluffy before adding the powdered sugar. This will ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting that’s easy to spread.
This Banana Bliss Layer Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the joy of baking something from scratch, the satisfaction of transforming simple ingredients into something beautiful and delicious, and the pleasure of sharing it with loved ones. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most rewarding.
Ingredients:
For the Banana Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3–4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly and rises properly. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper. Greasing and flouring the pans (or using parchment paper) prevents the cake from sticking and allows for easy release after baking. Parchment paper is particularly helpful for ensuring clean edges.
Step 2: Make the Banana Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisking the dry ingredients ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is important for proper leavening and a consistent texture.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cake. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cake rise. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Beating the eggs one at a time ensures that they are fully incorporated into the batter. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cake.
Stir in the mashed bananas until combined. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and moisture. Brown spots are a good sign!
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Add the dry ingredients in two or three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. This helps to keep the batter smooth and prevents lumps from forming.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Use a kitchen scale to ensure that the layers are evenly sized. This will help the cake bake evenly and look more professional.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check the cake for doneness after 25 minutes and add a few more minutes if needed.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cakes in the pans for a few minutes allows them to set slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking or crumbling.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before beating. This will ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed. Adding the powdered sugar gradually prevents it from flying all over the kitchen. Beat on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the frosting. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and light. This step is important for creating a smooth, spreadable frosting.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the first cake layer. Use an offset spatula for best results.
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. You can create a smooth finish or a rustic, textured look.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium. While the recipe has multiple steps, each step is relatively simple. The key is to follow the instructions carefully and not overmix the batter.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Garnish with sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips:
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before making the frosting. This will ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- For a more intense banana flavor, add a teaspoon of banana extract to the batter.
- Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to the batter for a customized twist.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Let cake sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
25-30 minutes
Total Time:
Approximately 1 hour (including cooling time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
Calories:
Approximately 450-550 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 5-7 grams per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 200-300mg per serving
Conclusion
This Banana Bliss Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress. It’s a perfect combination of moist, flavorful cake and tangy, creamy frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, this cake is a winner. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a truly memorable cake.
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas tend to release more moisture than fresh ones, so draining them will prevent the cake from becoming too wet.
Q2: Can I substitute the buttermilk with something else?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk. Stir it well and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor and help tenderize the cake.
Q3: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cake?
A: Definitely! Adding nuts or chocolate chips is a great way to customize the cake to your liking. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips would all be delicious additions. Simply fold them into the batter before baking.
Q4: How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pans?
A: To prevent sticking, grease the cake pans thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, then dust them with flour. Alternatively, you can line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper. This creates a barrier between the cake and the pan, ensuring easy release after baking.
Q5: How long will the cream cheese frosting last, and how should I store the frosted cake?
A: Cream cheese frosting is best used fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosted cake should also be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Let the cake sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to soften slightly.
