Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

IntroductioN

There’s something magical about banana bread, isn’t there? The aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. But what if I told you that we could elevate this classic treat into a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting? Yes, please!

This Banana Bread Cake is not just your average banana bread—it’s light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply indulging in a sweet treat after a long day. The cake is rich with ripe bananas, complemented by the tangy cream cheese frosting that balances the sweetness beautifully. It’s like a delightful mash-up of your favorite banana bread and a decadent layer cake.

I first made this recipe on a rainy Saturday afternoon when I had some overripe bananas sitting on my counter. It turned into a family favorite almost immediately. The kids love helping out in the kitchen, mashing bananas, and watching as the cake rises in the oven. It’s become a tradition for us to make this whenever we have bananas that need to be used up, and it never fails to bring smiles all around.

So, grab those bananas and let’s dive into making a cake that will undoubtedly become a staple in your home, just as it has in mine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are just a few reasons why this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting should be on your baking list:

• Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy baking skills to whip up this cake. With just a few simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the ripe bananas and the addition of sour cream, this cake stays incredibly moist, ensuring that every bite is a delight.
• Family-Friendly: This cake is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a great way to sneak in some fruit while satisfying those sweet cravings!
• Rich Flavor: The banana flavor shines through, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the cake.
• Versatile: Whether you serve it at a party, as a dessert for a weeknight dinner, or even as a sweet breakfast treat, this banana bread cake fits the bill!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including baking and cooling time)
• Servings: 12-16 slices
• Nutrition Facts: Calories per serving: approximately 350, Protein: 3g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Banana Bread Cake:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Key Ingredient Highlights:

• Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and add incredible moisture to the cake.
• Sour Cream: This secret ingredient not only adds richness but also helps keep the cake moist and tender.
• Cream Cheese: Provides that irresistible tanginess in the frosting that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this delectable cake!

1ST STEP: Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

2ND STEP: Mash the Bananas

• In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.

3RD STEP: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well combined.

4TH STEP: Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Your batter should be creamy and smooth at this point.

5TH STEP: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the cake.

6TH STEP: Mix in Bananas and Sour Cream

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed bananas and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
• Tip: The batter should be thick and a little lumpy; that’s okay!

7TH STEP: Pour into Pans

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops for an even bake.

8TH STEP: Bake the Cakes

• Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Tip: Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking.

9TH STEP: Cool the Cakes

• Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

10TH STEP: Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter

• While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

11TH STEP: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar

• Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Then, increase to medium speed and beat until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

12TH STEP: Add Vanilla and Milk

• Mix in the vanilla extract and milk. Adjust the milk amount to achieve your desired frosting consistency.

Assembling the Cake

13TH STEP: Frost the Cake

• Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
• Tip: Use an offset spatula for an even application.
• Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the rustic look adds to the charm!

14TH STEP: Decorate (Optional)

• If you’d like, decorate the top with banana slices, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch.

How to Serve

• Serve slices of this delicious banana bread cake at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal afternoon snack or dessert.
• Serving Suggestions:
  • With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is always a hit!
  • Garnish: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  • For Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee—it’s a fantastic way to start the day!

Additional Tips

To ensure your baking experience goes smoothly, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as they’re sweeter and easier to mash.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
3. Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
4. Store Properly: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just wrap it well in plastic wrap!
5. Experiment: Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra twist!

Recipe Variations

You can customize this banana bread cake in several delightful ways:

• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Chocolate Lover: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolate-banana flavor explosion.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
• Healthier Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, and use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas often become softer and sweeter, making them perfect for baking.

2. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to frost it until you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

4. How should I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

5. Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?

Yes! If you prefer a different frosting, you can try buttercream, whipped cream, or even a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. Just keep in mind that the cream cheese frosting adds a unique tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana cake.

6. What can I do with leftover bananas?

If you have leftover ripe bananas, you can freeze them for future baking, make banana pancakes, or blend them into smoothies. They’re also great in oatmeal or cereal!

7. Can I make this as a sheet cake instead?

Yes, you can! Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Frost once cooled. This is a great option for larger gatherings!

8. How can I make this cake more decadent?

For an extra special treat, you can layer the cake with chocolate ganache, add a layer of peanut butter frosting, or sprinkle chocolate chips or nuts between the layers!

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Conclusion

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a dessert; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings family and friends together. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household, just like it is in mine.

The combination of moist, flavorful cake and creamy, tangy frosting is simply irresistible. So, the next time you have some overripe bananas, remember this recipe! Your family will thank you, and you’ll enjoy every slice, savoring the wonderful flavors and memories created in the kitchen. Happy baking!