Banana Cake with Coconut Frosting

  • 12

Ingredients

  • FOR FROSTING:
  • 2 sticks butter, at room temperature, plus more for pans
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for the pans
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teas baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 3 large very ripe bananas
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes, for garnish
  • Two 8oz packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 5 cups powdered sugar

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 350 and adjust the rack to the middle shelf. Butter and flour two 9 inch cake pans.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. mash the bananas with a wooden spoon in a separate, small bowl, leaving a bit of texture.

3. Cream the butter and sugar together in the bowl of a standing mixer until light and fluffy. Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing in the first completely before adding the second. Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla, and beat until just combined. Add the dry ingredients, and gently stir in the pecans. Divide the batter between the two pans.

4. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5. While the cakes are cooling, pour coconut flakes evenly onto a baking sheet. Place in the 350 degree oven and toast for 2 to 3 minutes or until the turn a light golden brown color.

6. FOR FROSTING: Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a standing mixer until light and smooth. Pour in the vanill and coconut extracts, and slowly add the confectioners' sugar, 1 cup at a time, until thoroughly incorpoarted, scraping down the sides o the bowl with a spatula as needed.

7. To assemble the cakes, place one layer, top side down, on a cake stand. Spread on a thick layer of frosting with a spatula. Place the other layer cake on top of the frosting. Frost the top and sides of the cake by working from the center of the cake towards the ege, making sure to coat evenly. Gently press the toasted coconut on the sides of the cake.