Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

When I first made this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, I was a bit skeptical. I was used to the comforting, dense texture of classic banana bread, but this recipe promised something a little different—lighter, fluffier, and topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. The result? Absolute perfection. The banana flavor shines through beautifully, and the frosting takes it to the next level, adding an indulgent creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the cake’s soft crumb. It quickly became a favorite with my family, and the kids couldn’t stop going back for more. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy banana bread, this cake is the perfect upgrade!

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)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. This ensures that the cake comes out smoothly after baking and adds to the presentation.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth and creamy base for your cake.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk (or milk mixture) to the butter-sugar mixture, blending well. The addition of buttermilk helps create a moist and tender cake while the vanilla adds a lovely aroma.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Be sure not to overmix, as that can affect the texture. Simply stir until everything is well incorporated.
5. Add Mashed Bananas: Stir in the mashed bananas until just combined. The bananas are the star ingredient, giving the cake its signature flavor and moist texture.
6. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. This patience will reward you with the perfect texture and ease of frosting.
8. Prepare the Frosting: In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. This creamy base will provide the perfect balance to the banana bread cake.
9. Add Powdered Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar and a little bit of heavy whipping cream, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. Taste and adjust sweetness as necessary by adding more powdered sugar if desired.
10. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting over the top with a spatula, creating a thick, smooth layer.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and enjoy the rich, moist, and flavorful banana bread cake topped with creamy frosting!

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories per serving: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 32g
• Protein: 3g

These values are estimates and can vary depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve for Breakfast or Brunch: A slice of this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting makes the perfect breakfast or brunch treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
• As a Dessert: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert everyone will love.
• At a Party: This cake is great for gatherings—its moist texture and rich frosting will impress guests.
• For Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a slice of banana bread cake with frosting as an afternoon snack. Pair it with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat.

Additional Tips

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. Overripe bananas (the kind with brown spots) are perfect for baking as they provide the most sweetness and moisture.
2. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stir just until incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
3. Frost When Cool: Let the cake cool completely before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
4. Adjust Frosting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, start with 3 cups of powdered sugar and taste it before adding more.
5. Add Extra Bananas: For an even richer banana flavor, you can add a few extra mashed bananas into the batter.

Recipe Variations

1. Nutty Banana Bread Cake: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch and additional flavor.
2. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cake: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter twist on the classic.
3. Spiced Banana Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
4. Vegan Banana Bread Cake: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk), and a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) to make this cake vegan.
5. Banana Cake with Brown Butter Frosting: For a deeper flavor in the frosting, brown the butter before using it in the frosting mixture. This will give the frosting a nutty taste that complements the banana flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Coffee or Tea: This Banana Bread Cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect morning or afternoon treat.
• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is an excellent complement to the creamy frosting and moist banana cake.
• Top with Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries or sliced bananas on top of the frosted cake add a pop of color and additional freshness.
• Serve with a Drizzle of Caramel: Drizzling a little caramel sauce over the frosting gives the cake an extra layer of indulgence.
• For a Festive Touch: Dust the top of the frosted cake with a little cinnamon or powdered sugar for a decorative finish.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the Cake: You can freeze the banana bread cake before frosting it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and frost.
• Freezing Slices: Once frosted, this cake can be sliced and wrapped individually for freezing. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Storing the Cake: Store any leftover banana bread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Reheating: If desired, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly for this recipe. Just thaw them before mashing and use as directed.

2. Can I make this cake without cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! You can leave the frosting off or use a simple buttercream frosting or glaze instead.

3. Can I make this cake in a different pan?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a loaf pan or cupcake tins. Just adjust the baking time accordingly (about 25-30 minutes for loaf pans, 18-20 minutes for cupcakes).

4. How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be very ripe—preferably with brown spots on the peel. Overripe bananas are sweeter and provide more moisture.

5. Can I use a different type of flour?
You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be slightly denser.

6. Can I make this banana bread cake ahead of time?
Yes

, you can bake the cake the day before and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost and serve it.

7. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

8. How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Use less powdered sugar and add a bit of milk to get the desired consistency.

9. Can I freeze the frosting?
Yes, you can freeze the frosting for up to a month. Just let it thaw and beat it again before using.

10. Can I add nuts to the frosting?
Yes, you can fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the frosting for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a must-try for banana bread lovers who want to elevate their dessert game. The combination of moist, flavorful banana cake with the creamy, tangy frosting makes for a perfect dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake will be a hit every time. Enjoy every slice, and don’t forget to share!

Print