Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

🍌 Ingredients
For the Banana Cake:
1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
200g (7 oz) cream cheese (softened)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
2–3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
👩‍🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a round or rectangular baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures your cake comes out clean and perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the batter.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2–3 minutes and is essential for a soft texture.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should become smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients
Mix the mashed bananas into the butter mixture, followed by the sour cream and milk. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense. Fold in the poppy seeds if using.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
🍰 Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
Add vani

lla extract and a little milk if needed to make the frosting smooth and spreadable.

🎂 Assemble the Cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.
You can decorate with banana slices or a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a beautiful finish.
💡 Tips for Best Results
Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
Do not overmix the batter.
Let the cake cool fully before adding frosting to avoid melting.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.