Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that combines the warmth of banana bread with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for celebrations, tea parties, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home, this cake stands out with its moist texture and irresistible flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the soft banana base, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The ripe bananas ensure this cake stays incredibly moist while delivering a rich banana flavor.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast! It pairs well with coffee or tea.
• Luscious Frosting: The cream cheese frosting elevates the cake, adding a creamy and tangy finish that you can’t resist.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining your dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer makes achieving the perfect creamy texture for both the batter and frosting simple and fast.

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Ingredients

For the Banana 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 your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt.
2. Whisk together until well mixed.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Use an electric mixer to cream together ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 3 ripe bananas (mashed) until smooth.
2. Add in 2 large eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: 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 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools:
1. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese, then gradually add in 2 cups powdered sugar.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once cooled completely:
1. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of your banana bread cake.
2. Slice into squares and serve! Enjoy your delicious Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the cake as is, allowing the rich cream cheese frosting to shine through.

With Fresh Fruits

• Pair your cake with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

A La Mode

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm cake beautifully.

Coffee Companion

• Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite coffee or tea. This pairing makes for an excellent afternoon treat.

Drizzled with Honey

• Enhance the flavor by drizzling honey over your slice. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

For Breakfast

• Treat it as a breakfast option by serving it warm with a side of yogurt for a balanced meal.

How to Perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making the perfect Banana Bread Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

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

• Softened Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing. This creates a smooth batter and frosting.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to maintain its light texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when done. This prevents undercooking or overbaking.

• Chill Before Frosting: Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting. This helps prevent melting and sliding off.

• Experiment with Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra flavor boost that complements bananas beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with Banana Bread Cake can enhance your overall dessert experience. Here are some great options:

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

2. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavors.

3. Granola Parfait: Layer granola, yogurt, and berries in a glass for added crunch and nutrition alongside your cake.

4. Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea acts as a soothing accompaniment, perfect for enjoying during tea time.

5. Coconut Whipped Cream: For those who love coconut, this dairy-free whipped cream is light and pairs beautifully with banana flavor.

6. Almonds or Walnuts: A small bowl of toasted nuts offers crunch and protein, making it an excellent snack alongside your dessert.

7. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a platter for sophisticated pairing options that enhance flavors.

8. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For chocolate lovers, providing melted chocolate sauce can add indulgence when drizzled on slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Inaccurate measurements: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect the texture and flavor. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Overmixing batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not using ripe bananas: Ripe bananas add sweetness and moisture. Ensure your bananas are well-ripened for the best flavor.
• Skipping the cream cheese softening step: If your cream cheese isn’t softened, it will not blend well, resulting in lumps. Set it out ahead of time or microwave it briefly.
• Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness instead of relying solely on cooking time.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes, checking occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked 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 it may alter the texture slightly. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose for best results.

Is there a vegan option for this Banana Bread Cake?

To make this recipe vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter along with dairy-free cream cheese.

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

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

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding walnuts or chocolate chips can enhance flavor. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, spices, or even chocolate chips to suit your taste. Try making this delightful dessert today!