Southern Living Marvelous Banana Cake
Indulge in the rich and nostalgic flavors of the Southern Living Marvelous Banana Cake, a dessert that truly lives up to its name. This tender, triple-layered masterpiece is brimming with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, perfectly balanced by the tang of buttermilk and a hint of vanilla. Each moist layer is generously slathered with a luscious cream cheese frosting, whipped to perfection for a smooth, airy finish. A sprinkle of chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch, making it an optional yet irresistible topping. With its simple ingredients and classic baking techniques, this cake is easy to create but guaranteed to wow any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or craving a comforting homemade treat, this banana cake is sure to become a cherished family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 4 medium Ripe bananas (mashed)
- 0.5 cup Buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar (packed)
- 4 large Eggs
- 16 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 6 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Pecans (chopped, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix well and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and alternately add the dry flour mixture and banana mixture to the bowl, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Add the heavy cream and beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cool, assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
Repeat with the second and third cake layers, spreading frosting between each layer and over the top and sides of the cake.
If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the cake for garnish.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
10313 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 428.5 g | 549% | |
| Saturated Fat | 236.2 g | 1181% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1806 mg | 602% | |
| Sodium | 4876 mg | 212% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1562.2 g | 568% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.2 g | 101% | |
| Total Sugars | 1203.6 g | ||
| Protein | 108.7 g | 217% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.6 mcg | 43% | |
| Calcium | 976 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 25.9 mg | 144% | |
| Potassium | 3440 mg | 73% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
