Strawberry Banana Cake Recipe

When it comes to desserts, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a moist and flavorful cake. And if you’re looking to elevate your baking game, a Strawberry Banana Cake is a fantastic choice. This delightful treat combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the creaminess of bananas, resulting in a mouthwatering dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe for creating your very own strawberry banana cake.

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Now, gently fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream until the mixture is well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
7. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, being careful not to crush them.
8. Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
11. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
12. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one of the cakes, then place the second cake on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake.
13. For an extra touch, you can decorate your Strawberry Banana Cake with fresh strawberry slices or banana slices.

Variations and Tips:

1. Add Nuts: For some extra crunch and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cake batter. A half cup should do the trick, and they pair wonderfully with the strawberries and bananas.
2. Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen strawberries when they’re out of season. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.
3. Ripeness Matters: Make sure your bananas are very ripe, with lots of brown spots on the skin. This ensures they’re sweet and will provide the best flavor.
4. Proper Storage: If you have any leftover cake (which is unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for several days, but it’s so delicious that it might not last that long!
5. Experiment with Frosting: While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, you can also consider experimenting with other frostings like a light strawberry-flavored buttercream or a whipped cream topping for a lighter option.
6. Serving Suggestions: This cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s versatile enough to serve at a casual family gathering or a more formal event.