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Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 18 servings.
Ingredients: 2/3 cup shortening; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 2 large eggs, separated, room temperature; 2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 medium); 1 cup 2% milk; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 4 cups confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Dash salt; Sliced banana, optional

42 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling

Makes

18 servings

Updated: Oct. 28, 2022

As a mother of three sons, sweets are a staple in my kitchen! I buy ripe fruit on sale and freeze it to make this cake. My banana cake with cream cheese frosting is a favorite among loved ones at my family picnics and dinners. —Bonnie Krause, Irvona, Pennsylvania

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

2/3 cup shortening
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs, separated, room temperature
2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 medium)
1 cup 2% milk
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash salt
Sliced banana, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add bananas and milk; mix just until combined. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture just until blended.
In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold into batter. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and salt; beat until smooth. Spread over cake. Store in the refrigerator. If desired, serve with sliced bananas.

Tips for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

What's the difference between banana bread and banana cake?

Banana bread can be a little denser and less sweet than banana cake. It may also use a heavier flour, and it's baked in a loaf pan. Banana cake, on the other hand, often has frosting and is typically baked in a baking pan.

Why is my banana cake not fluffy?

Avoid overmixing your banana cake! Stirring too much will create more gluten, which will lead to a dense cake. To get a soft and light cake, stir just until the ingredients are combined.

What can I add to this banana cake recipe?

If you’re craving chocolate, feel free to add 1/2 cup of mini chips to the batter before spreading it into the pan. You can also sprinkle some chopped pecans, walnuts or mini chips on top of the frosting. For other variations, try our contest-winning Nutty Banana Cake or our Best Ever Banana Bread.

Research contributed by Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 416 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.