Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups (340g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for a softer texture)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, beat the butter and oil together until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk in three batches, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the mashed bananas by hand with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Once fully incorporated, increase the speed and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Beat in the vanilla extract and add heavy cream if you want a slightly softer consistency.
3. Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes have cooled completely, level the tops if necessary.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
Place the second layer on top, and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
Smooth the frosting or create decorative swirls as desired. Optionally, garnish with banana slices, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow the frosting to set. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Lina