Ina Garten Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Banana cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, has a recipe for banana cake with cream cheese frosting that is out of this world. This cake is moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich and creamy frosting that will make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Add in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Add in the buttermilk and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
6. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks.
7. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the confectioners' sugar and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8. Once the cakes have cooled, use a knife or spatula to spread a thick layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and use the remaining frosting to generously frost the top and sides of the cake.
9. Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
1. Be sure to use ripe bananas for this recipe. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be.
2. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. This will help them mix together more easily and create a smoother batter.
3. To make the frosting even creamier, you can add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to the mixture.
4. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by combining 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.
Conclusion
Ina Garten’s banana cake with cream cheese frosting is a recipe that you’ll want to bookmark and come back to again and again. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weeknight dessert, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to make a moist and flavorful banana cake every time. Happy baking!
