Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until everything is well combined.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

9. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.

3. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, using a spatula to smooth it out.

4. Serve and enjoy!


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 66g
Sugar: 47g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple vanilla or chocolate frosting.
- Make cupcakes instead of a cake for individual servings.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting to make the frosting.
- If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- To make the cake extra moist, add an extra banana to the batter.

Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
Microwave a slice of cake for 10-15 seconds to warm it up before serving.

Presentation ideas:
Decorate the top of the cake with sliced bananas or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Garnishes:
Fresh berries, whipped cream, or chopped nuts.

Pairings:
Coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If your cake is too dry, you may have overbaked it. Try reducing the baking time next time.
- If your frosting is too runny, you may have added too much milk. Add more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
Make sure your bananas are fully ripe before using them in the cake. Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before starting to cook.

Food history:
Banana cake is a popular dessert in many countries, and is often associated with Southern cuisine in the United States.

Flavor profiles:
Sweet, moist, and creamy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert after a meal, or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.

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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Banana, Rich