Banana Cake With Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
If you're a fan of banana bread, then you'll absolutely love this banana cake recipe! It's moist, fluffy, and packed with a sweet banana flavor that will leave you wanting more. But what sets this cake apart from the rest is the delicious caramel cream cheese frosting. It's the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that pairs perfectly with the banana cake.
The Ingredients You'll Need
To make this delicious cake, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the caramel cream cheese frosting, you'll need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Note: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How to Make Banana Cake With Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Now that you have all your ingredients, let's get started with the recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add in the mashed bananas and eggs, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and caramel sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is thick and spreadable.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Tips for Making the Perfect Banana Cake
Here are a few tips to ensure that your banana cake comes out perfect every time:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough and dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures that the batter will mix together evenly and create a smooth texture.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting: If the cake is still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
- Chill the frosting: If the frosting is too soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm it up before spreading it on the cake.
- Add chopped pecans: If you're a fan of nuts, adding chopped pecans to the batter gives the cake a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
In Conclusion
Banana cake with caramel cream cheese frosting is a delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and packed with sweet banana flavor. The caramel cream cheese frosting takes this cake to the next level with its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. With these simple tips, you can make the perfect banana cake every time!