If you’re a fan of classic banana bread and the luxurious richness of cream cheese frosting, this dessert will win your heart. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe fits the bill.
What Makes This Cake Special?
Perfectly Moist: The addition of ripe bananas and buttermilk ensures a tender crumb.
Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of bananas complements the tangy frosting.
Versatility: Works as a snack, dessert, or even a brunch centerpiece.
Ingredients: The Stars of the Recipe
For the Cake:
Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor. Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the cake with a slight caramel undertone.
Buttermilk: Helps create a soft, moist crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup milk.
Vanilla Extract: A small amount amplifies the flavors without overpowering them.
For the Frosting:
Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweet cake. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Powdered Sugar: Gives the frosting its sweetness and smooth texture. Adjust the quantity to your taste.
Butter: Adds creaminess and helps stabilize the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake Batter
Preheat the Oven: Always start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
Mash the Bananas: Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas. Aim for a smooth consistency with minimal lumps.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Whisking helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Use an electric mixer to cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugar. This step incorporates air, making the cake light and fluffy.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and mashed bananas.
Alternate Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to avoid overmixing.
Baking the Cake
Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
Pour the Batter: Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
Bake: Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: Use a hand or stand mixer to whip the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency.
Optional Add-Ins: For added flavor, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt.
Frosting the Cake
Spread Evenly: Use a spatula to spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Decorate: Top with banana slices, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair.
Pro Tips for Success
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Cool Before Frosting: Never frost a warm cake; it will cause the frosting to melt.
Chill the Frosting: If your frosting becomes too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before applying.
Variations to Try
Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a kid-friendly version.
Spiced Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Layer Cake: Divide the batter into two round cake pans and layer with frosting.
Serving Suggestions
Pair a slice with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Storing and Freezing
Storing:
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing:
Unfrosted Cake: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Frosted Cake: Freeze individual slices on a baking sheet. Once solid, wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
Nutritional Information
Calories per Serving: 420 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beginner-Friendly: Simple ingredients and steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile: Great for birthdays, holidays, or everyday desserts.
Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of banana bread and cream cheese frosting is always a hit.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. From its moist and flavorful banana base to its rich and tangy frosting, every bite is a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Give this luxurious cake a try, and watch as it disappears from the table in no time!