Description
A tender and moist banana layer cake with a rich cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness, while buttermilk and oil ensure a soft crumb. Perfect for birthdays or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
3 cups
Baking powder
1 teaspoon
Baking soda
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened for batter), 1/2 cup (softened for frosting)
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup
Granulated sugar
1 cup
Light brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Large eggs
3 (room temperature)
Very ripe bananas
1 1/2 cups mashed (about 3 large or 4 medium)
Full-fat buttermilk
1 1/2 cups (room temperature)
Cream cheese
12 ounces (1 1/2 packages, softened)
Salt (frosting)
1/4 teaspoon
Cinnamon (frosting)
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Powdered sugar
4 cups
Half & half
3 to 4 tablespoons
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
Line and grease two 9-inch round pans
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and oil with both sugars until smooth
Add vanilla extract and whisk
Beat in eggs, one at a time, ensuring full incorporation
Fold in mashed bananas
Slowly mix in flour mixture alternating with buttermilk, scraping bowl to combine
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans
Bake 45-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean
Cool completely before assembling
For frosting: Beat cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon with a mixer
Gradually add powdered sugar
Add salt and 1-2 tablespoons half & half, adjusting for desired consistency
Frost cooled cake layers and stack with a thin layer between
Top with remaining frosting and garnish as desired if needed
Notes
Ensure bananas are very ripe for optimal flavor
Use room temperature dairy ingredients to avoid curdling
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg