Ingredients
- Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Frosting:
- 16 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 2 pounds confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional Garnish:
- Espresso beans
- Shaved chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 9×9-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, espresso powder, and cocoa powder.
- In a stand mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in mashed banana until combined. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a stand mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add caramel sauce and mix until smooth.
- Slowly add confectioners’ sugar, mixing until creamy and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost with salted caramel cream cheese frosting. Garnish with espresso beans and shaved chocolate if desired.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
- Make the frosting ahead of time and chill slightly for easier spreading.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days—bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
