Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. With its moist texture and creamy topping, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying an afternoon tea, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. The combination of ripe bananas and tangy cream cheese frosting makes this cake stand out, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Moist: The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, resulting in a cake that stays fresh longer.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for dessert or as a snack, this Banana Bread Cake can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
• Luscious Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and creamy contrast to the cake’s texture, enhancing its appeal.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with frosting, this cake looks fantastic on any dessert table, sure to impress friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Banana Bread Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (9×5 inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes blending the butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
• Baking pan: A 9×5 inch pan is ideal for creating the perfect shape for your Banana Bread Cake.
• Cooling rack: Using a cooling rack allows air circulation around the cake, helping it cool evenly without becoming soggy.

Ingredients

To create this delightful 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 Cream Cheese 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 start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking once your Banana Bread Cake is baked.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Softened butter
2. Granulated sugar

Use an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Bananas

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture while continuing to mix. Then fold in the mashed bananas until well incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

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

Step 8: Cool Before Frosting

Let your Banana Bread Cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before adding frosting.

Step 9: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread this luscious frosting evenly over your cooled Banana Bread Cake.

Now you have a delicious Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ready to serve! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a casual gathering or a special occasion, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Sliced strawberries or blueberries add a refreshing touch and enhance the flavor of the cake.

Accompany with a Hot Beverage

• A cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the sweetness of the cake and makes for a cozy pairing.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or coconut ice cream can add richness and creaminess, creating an indulgent dessert.

Garnish with Nuts

• Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top provide a nice crunch and contrast to the soft cake.

Serve as Breakfast Treat

• This cake is not just for dessert; enjoy it as a morning delight alongside yogurt or fruit.

How to Perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect Banana Bread Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, making your cake tender.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to prevent a dense texture. Overmixing can lead to tough bread.

• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake to cool down before adding cream cheese frosting for better adherence and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Complementing your Banana Bread Cake with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit pair well and add texture.

3. Nut Butter Spread: Almond or peanut butter spread can enhance flavors and provide protein.

4. Chia Seed Pudding: A creamy, nutritious option that contrasts nicely with the cake’s texture.

5. Granola Bars: Chewy bars offer crunchiness and natural sweetness, perfect alongside the cake.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting flavor profile when paired with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas lack the sweetness and flavor needed for a delicious banana bread cake. Always choose ripe bananas with brown spots for the best taste.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Skipping the cream cheese frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang and richness. Don’t skip this step; it’s what makes this dessert truly special.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot can burn the edges while leaving the center undercooked. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep it in a cool area of your fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label the bag with the date for quick reference.

Reheating Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm slices for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour but be aware that it may change the texture slightly. The cake may be denser but still delicious.

How do I ensure my Banana Bread Cake is moist?

Make sure you use ripe bananas and don’t overbake your cake. Checking doneness with a toothpick can help prevent dryness.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Banana Bread Cake by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for frosting?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar as an alternative frosting.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for dessert, tea time, or any sweet craving. Experiment with different add-ins like nuts or spices to make it your own!