Ingredients
**For the Cake:**
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
– 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:**
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
– 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
#### Instructions
1. **Preheat Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the Cake Batter:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
– In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
– Mix in the mashed bananas, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract until well combined.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. **Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:**
– In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
4. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
– Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
– Add the remaining batter on top and spread it evenly.
– Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top layer of batter.
– Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
5. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
– In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined and fluffy.
– Mix in the vanilla extract.
7. **Frost the Cake:**
– Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Slice and serve your Banana Cinnamon Harmony Cake. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea!
This cake is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion, bringing together the comforting flavors of banana and cinnamon in every bite.