Fluffy Banana Cake

This banana cake is airy, tender, moist, and dissolves in your mouth. The cream cheese frosting elevates this cake to a whole new level. It's an ideal dessert for any event and an excellent way to utilize overripe bananas.

Makes 9 servings

Ingredients:

Banana Cake:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ⅓ cup salted butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• 2 medium mashed bananas (ripe to very ripe)

• 2 tablespoons milk

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ¼ cup salted butter, softened

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon cream cheese

• 2½ cups powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Grease and flour an 8 inch square or 9 inch round cake pan.

Let's make the CAKE:

2. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

3. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy (3-5 minutes). Add the egg and mix well, then incorporate the mashed bananas and continue beating until combined.

4. Add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, then beat on high until smooth.

5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few crumbs.  Allow it to cool completely before applying frosting.

Let's prepare the FROSTING:

6. In a medium bowl, beat butter, vanilla, and cream cheese until creamy, about one minute. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat. Add the milk and beat for approximately 3 minutes until fluffy. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it's too thick, add a drop of milk.

NOTE: This recipe makes a lot of frosting! Use as much or as little as you like on the cake. I prefer using less frosting because the cake is delightful on its own.

Enjoy!