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Banana Cake with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana cake is a soft, moist dessert made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and cinnamon.
Bake in a 9x13-inch pan at 350°F (175°C) for 28–33 minutes.
Cool completely, then spread with creamy espresso cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Banana Cake

  • - 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • - 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • - 3/4 cup loosely packed brown sugar
  • - 2 large eggs
  • - 1 tablespoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
  • - 2–3 large ripe bananas mashed
  • - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

For the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

  • - 8 ounces 226 g cream cheese, softened
  • - 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • - 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • - 1–2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
  • - 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Make sure the bottom and sides are evenly coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed, then set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

  • Place the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.
  • Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for approximately 5 minutes, until it becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step helps create a soft cake texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Pour in the alcohol-free vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Mix in the Bananas and Yogurt

  • Add the mashed ripe bananas and plain Greek yogurt to the butter mixture.
  • Beat on low speed until combined. The batter may appear slightly uneven or curdled because of the bananas and yogurt, but this is completely normal.

Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
  • Mix on low speed until just combined, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • Avoid overmixing because excessive mixing can make the finished cake dense instead of light and tender.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake for 28–33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Prepare the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Place the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl.
  • Beat with an electric mixer until smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar and instant espresso powder, mixing on low speed at first to prevent the sugar from scattering.
  • Increase the mixer speed and beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
  • Add the alcohol-free vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  • For a stronger coffee flavor, use the full 2 tablespoons of espresso powder.

Step 9: Frost the Banana Cake

  • Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the coffee cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
  • Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create gentle swirls in the frosting.
  • For cleaner slices and a firmer topping, refrigerate the frosted cake for approximately 30 minutes before serving.

Step 10: Slice and Enjoy

  • Cut the Banana Cake with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting into squares and serve chilled or slightly cool.
  • Each slice offers a wonderful combination of sweet banana flavor, warm cinnamon, and rich, creamy espresso frosting.

Notes

Banana Ripeness
The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. Overripe bananas with brown spots add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Banana Quantity
Two large bananas create a slightly firmer cake, while three bananas provide a stronger banana flavor and a softer texture. Aim for roughly 1 to 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana.
Greek Yogurt Substitute
If you don't have Greek yogurt, replace it with an equal amount of plain sour cream. Regular plain yogurt may also work, although it can make the batter slightly thinner.
Coffee Flavor Adjustment
Instant espresso powder provides a concentrated coffee flavor without adding unnecessary liquid to the frosting. Regular instant coffee granules can also be used, although the flavor may be milder.
Frosting Variation
For a classic cream cheese frosting, simply omit the espresso powder. You can also add a small pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
Optional Toppings
Decorate the frosted cake with chopped walnuts, pecans, a light sprinkle of cinnamon, or thin banana slices added just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This cake tastes wonderful alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk. It also makes a delicious afternoon snack or dessert for family celebrations.