Banana Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• For the Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Topping:
  • Sliced bananas
  • Whole pecans or walnuts
  • Caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, cream the butter, 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.
   • Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
   • Fold in the mashed bananas and chopped nuts.
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Frosting:
   • Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   • Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate.
   • Spread some frosting over the top. Add the second layer and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
6. Add Toppings:
   • Just before serving, arrange sliced bananas and whole nuts on top of the cake.
   • Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
7. Serve:
   • The cake is best enjoyed the day it is assembled to ensure the bananas remain fresh.

This Banana Nut Cake is a fabulous treat that combines sweetness from the bananas and caramel with a nutty crunch, all smoothed over with a velvety cream cheese frosting. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special dessert at home! Enjoy your baking! If you need more tips or another recipe, just let me know!