Homemade Banana Bread Cake

Ingredients

For the Moist Banana Cake:
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened to room temperature
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup full-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
For the Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting:
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened to room temperature
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh banana slices
Chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter, ensuring the bottom and sides are fully coated. Set the pan aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and a thick batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Bananas
Using a spatula, gently fold the mashed bananas into the batter until they are evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and fragrant.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly with the spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be lightly golden brown.

Step 7: Cool the Cake Completely
Remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This is a crucial step; frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and become runny.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Add the heavy whipping cream and increase the speed to medium-high, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh banana slices and chopped walnuts just before serving.

Step 10: Serve and Store
Cut the frosted cake into squares and serve. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake is delicious served chilled or at room temperature.