Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful fusion of moist banana bread and creamy frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply indulging yourself. The cake’s rich flavor combined with the tangy frosting makes it stand out as an exceptional treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for beginners.
• Deliciously moist: The ripe bananas ensure that each slice remains tender and flavorful.
• Versatile treat: Enjoy this cake as dessert or a sweet breakfast option; it suits many occasions.
• Creamy frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious touch that elevates the classic banana bread experience.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Banana Bread Cake, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Baking pan (9×5 inch)
• Rubber spatula
• Electric mixer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless and ensures a light texture in the cake.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 ½ cups)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp salt

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 280 calories, Carbs: 45g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 12g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 30g

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake after baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, softened butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or whisk until everything is well blended.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add salt to taste.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Once baked, let your Banana Bread Cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. After it’s completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.

Enjoy your homemade Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s sure to please everyone at your next gathering.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this treat.

Enjoy it Plain

• Serve slices of the cake on their own for a simple yet satisfying dessert that highlights the banana and cream cheese flavors.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Add a side of fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing touch. The natural sweetness complements the cake beautifully.

Scoop of Ice Cream

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The cold ice cream contrasts the warm cake perfectly.

Drizzle with Honey

• For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle honey over the top. This adds a touch of floral flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Coffee or Tea Companion

• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea. The warmth of the drink pairs well with the moist cake, making it a great tea-time treat.

How to Perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is easy with these tips. Follow them to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal taste.

• Mix Ingredients Carefully: Avoid overmixing once you add flour. Gently fold ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.

• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. It should come out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.

• Cool Before Frosting: Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting and losing its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Banana Bread Cake can create a more rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang that balances out the sweetness of the cake.

2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and contrasts well with the dense texture of banana bread.

3. Nut Mix: A handful of roasted nuts adds crunch and nutrients, complementing the soft texture of the cake.

4. Chia Seed Pudding: Light and nutritious, chia pudding offers a unique texture that pairs well with sweet desserts.

5. Coconut Whipped Cream: This dairy-free option enhances flavor while adding a light, airy component to your plate.

6. Spiced Tea: A warm spiced tea brings comforting flavors that work harmoniously with banana bread’s richness.

7. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These crunchy treats add a fun twist and make for great dipping alongside slices of banana bread.

8. Homemade Granola: A sprinkle of granola can add both crunch and additional flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Incorrect banana ripeness – Using unripe bananas can lead to a less sweet and flavorful cake. Always opt for ripe bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness.

• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light texture.

• Not measuring flour accurately – Too much flour can dry out your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.

• Skipping the cream cheese frosting – The frosting adds a creamy contrast that elevates the cake. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for flavor!

• Ignoring baking time – Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Use a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 5 days in the fridge without losing moisture.

Freezing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly. Adjust liquids if needed.

How do I know when my Banana Bread Cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Banana Bread Cake?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make great additions and enhance flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use Greek yogurt or vegan cream cheese as alternatives if you prefer something different.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or spices as you like. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!