The Best Banana Cake
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add Bananas and Buttermilk:
Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. If using, add the ground cinnamon at this stage.
Stir just until combined; do not overmix.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out.
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
Serve:
Slice and serve the cake. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 60-70 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 slices
