Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cake
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch square baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. **Mash the bananas:** In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Set aside.

3. **Mix dry ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

4. **Cream the butter and sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This will create a nice base for the cake.

5. **Add eggs and vanilla:** Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. **Add mashed bananas and sour cream:** Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until combined. This will give the cake extra moisture and flavor.

7. **Combine with dry ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.

#### Step 2: Bake the Cake
1. **Bake the cake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.

2. **Cool the cake:** Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

#### Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
1. **Beat the frosting ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

2. **Add powdered sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, and continue beating until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.

#### Step 4: Frost the Cake
1. **Frost the cake:** Once the banana bread cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula or butter knife. Be generous with the frosting—it’s the perfect complement to the banana flavor.

2. **Decorate (optional):** For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) on top of the frosting, or even add some sliced banana for a fresh look.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. **Slice and serve:** Slice the cake into squares or wedges, and serve. This cake is perfect for dessert, brunch, or an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

2. **Storage:** If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This cake stays moist and delicious, thanks to the bananas and cream cheese frosting.

### Tips and Variations:
– **Add-ins:** For added texture and flavor, you can mix in chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut into the cake batter before baking.
– **Banana Chips:** For extra banana flavor and a crunchy topping, sprinkle some banana chips on top of the frosting.
– **Gluten-Free Version:** To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
– **Spices:** Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to give the cake a unique flavor profile.
– **Frosting Variation:** If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can use whipped cream cheese or even a whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

### Healthier Alternatives:
– **Reduce Sugar:** You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake and frosting for a slightly less sweet dessert. Alternatively, use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit.
– **Yogurt Substitute:** Swap out sour cream for plain yogurt or Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier option with added protein.
– **Whole Wheat Flour:** Try using whole wheat flour for a more fiber-rich version of the cake.

### Final Thoughts:
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of banana bread but wants something a bit more indulgent. The moist, banana-infused cake paired with the tangy, creamy frosting makes every bite a true delight. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its simple ingredients, easy prep, and irresistible flavor, you’ll want to make it again and again!