Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 🍌🍰🧁

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few treats can rival the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. As a lifelong fan of this classic, I was thrilled to experiment with a twist: Banana Bread Cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe quickly became a family favorite, combining the familiar flavors of traditional banana bread with a decadent, tangy frosting that elevates it to cake status. Every slice is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. My kids couldn’t get enough of it, and my partner proclaimed it “the best dessert yet.” If you’re looking to impress, this Banana Bread Cake will surely do the trick!

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Cake:

• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar as a substitute)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust to desired sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for a smoother consistency)

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Make the Cake Batter:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the mashed bananas.
5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the banana mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour (30 minutes baking + 30 minutes prep)
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve

• Frost the cake with cream cheese frosting after it has completely cooled.
• Slice into squares for easy serving.
• Garnish with banana slices or nuts for added texture.
• Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Additional Tips

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
4. Frosting Consistency: For a thicker frosting, use less heavy cream; for a smoother, pourable frosting, add more.
5. Keep it Moist: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Banana Bread Cake: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cake: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a rich, decadent twist.
• Spiced Version: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based butter and cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a dessert after dinner or as a brunch item with coffee.
• Pair with fresh fruit or a fruit compote for added flavor.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the un-frosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Thawing: To thaw, remove from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for several hours before frosting.
• Storing: Store any leftover frosted cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

• Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well! Just make sure to drain excess liquid.

1. What can I use instead of buttermilk?

• You can mix regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute.

1. How do I know when the cake is done?

• Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.

1. Can I make this cake in advance?

• Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead. Frost it just before serving for the best texture.

1. How should I store the leftover cake?

• Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.

1. Can I make mini versions of this cake?

• Absolutely! Use a muffin tin to make banana bread cupcakes, adjusting the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.

1. What if my frosting is too thick?

• Add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

1. Can I omit the cream cheese frosting?

• Yes, this banana bread cake is delicious on its own. A simple dusting of powdered sugar also works well.

1. How can I make it less sweet?

• Reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake and frosting to suit your taste.

1. Can I add other flavors to the frosting?
   • Definitely! Consider adding lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in cake form, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Its rich banana flavor and creamy frosting make it a showstopper for any gathering, while its ease of preparation ensures you’ll make it time and again. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a sweet ending to your day, this recipe will leave you and your family delighted. So grab those ripe bananas and start baking—this cake is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home!

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