Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Bread Cake:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. For the cake:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt
   • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)
   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla
   • Mix in mashed bananas
   • Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to the banana mixture, starting and ending with flour
   • Fold in walnuts if using
3. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
4. For the frosting:
   • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy
   • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition
   • Beat in vanilla and salt until fluffy
   • If too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar
5. Once cake is completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the top.

Tips:

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor
• Bring cream cheese and butter to room temperature for smooth frosting
• Store cake in refrigerator for up to 5 days

Would you like any clarification about any part of the recipe?