Introduction:
Banana bread has long been a beloved treat, but what happens when you elevate it into a decadent cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting? You get a dessert masterpiece that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. In this article, we’ll explore the irresistible combination of moist banana cake layered with creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
The Allure of Banana Bread Cake: Banana bread is a classic comfort food, cherished for its moist texture and irresistible aroma. By transforming it into a cake, you amplify its appeal, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and indulgent. The addition of cream cheese frosting takes it to new heights, adding a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the subtle flavor of ripe bananas.
Recipe for Success: Creating a banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is simpler than you might think. Start with ripe bananas, mashed to perfection, and incorporate them into a moist cake batter enriched with eggs, flour, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon for warmth. Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake until golden brown and fragrant.
While the cake cools, whip up a velvety cream cheese frosting, blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the cake has cooled completely, generously spread the frosting over the top, ensuring every bite is adorned with a rich layer of sweetness.
Ingredients:
Banana Cake:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream (full-fat is best)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese (full-fat is best)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Gradually blend in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the mashed bananas until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream, beating until creamy.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes + cooling | Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 18 pieces
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Fresh or Chilled: Banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is best served fresh, either at room temperature or chilled. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Slice with Care: When slicing the cake, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean, smooth slices. This helps prevent the frosting from sticking to the knife and ensures neat servings.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out. The cream cheese frosting can become soft at room temperature, so refrigeration helps it stay firm and stable.
- Individual Portions: To extend the shelf life and make it easier to grab a quick treat, consider slicing the cake into individual portions before storing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the container.
- Reheat if Desired: If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can cause the frosting to melt.
- Freeze for Later: Banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Decorate Before Serving: If you plan to decorate the cake with additional toppings such as fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or chocolate shavings, do so just before serving to maintain their freshness and visual appeal.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting stays fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
FAQ’s
- How long does banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting stay fresh? Banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting can stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
- Can I freeze banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting? Yes, you can freeze banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Can I make banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake and frosting ahead of time. Store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, and refrigerate the frosting separately. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.
- Can I use different types of frosting for banana bread cake? While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice for banana bread cake, you can certainly experiment with different frostings such as chocolate ganache, buttercream, or whipped cream, depending on your preference.
- Can I make banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting gluten-free? Yes, you can make banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, including baking powder and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free.
- How ripe should the bananas be for banana bread cake? Ripe bananas with brown speckles or completely brown skins are ideal for banana bread cake. They will be sweeter and provide more flavor and moisture to the cake.
- Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting? Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips to the cake batter for added texture and flavor. Simply fold them into the batter before pouring it into the cake pan.
- What size cake pan should I use for banana bread cake? A standard 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×9-inch square cake pan is suitable for baking banana bread cake. Be sure to grease and flour the pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Can I omit the cream cheese frosting from banana bread cake? Yes, if you prefer a simpler version, you can omit the cream cheese frosting from banana bread cake. The cake itself is delicious on its own, or you can dust it with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
- Is banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting suitable for special occasions? Absolutely! Banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or gatherings with friends and family. Its moist texture, rich flavor, and decadent frosting make it a crowd-pleaser for any celebration.
Conclusion:
Banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is a delightful twist on a beloved classic, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this decadent dessert is sure to satisfy. With its moist crumb, creamy frosting, and irresistible aroma, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So why wait? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to indulge in a slice of heaven.