Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting! It’s the kind of dessert that just wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. I mean, who doesn’t love the sweet, comforting flavor of ripe bananas mixed into a moist cake, topped with that luscious, creamy frosting? Trust me, it’s a slice of heaven on a plate! This cake has become a staple in my home, and I can’t count the number of times I’ve whipped it up for friends and family. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering. You just can’t go wrong with this one, and I promise it’ll be a hit wherever you bring it! Now, let’s dive into how to make this deliciousness happen.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to achieving banana bread cake perfection! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas not only add sweetness but also contribute to that lovely moist texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Bring it to room temperature for easy mixing. This will help create a rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten the cake beautifully. Don’t skimp on this, as it balances the flavors!
- 2 large eggs: These add moisture and act as a binding agent, helping all the ingredients come together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile and makes everything taste more decadent.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake, giving it structure. Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is your leavening agent, so don’t forget it! It helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is the star of your frosting! Softened cream cheese makes for a smooth and creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For sweetness in the frosting, this will help achieve that light, fluffy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon milk: Just a splash to help reach your desired frosting consistency—make it as thick or as thin as you like!
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a banana bread cake that will have everyone begging for the recipe!
How to Prepare Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Alright, let’s get this banana bread cake party started! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a scrumptious cake to share (or not!).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want the cake to bake evenly from the get-go.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash those ripe bananas with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. Then, add in the softened butter and mix until it’s well combined. The aroma will already start to make you salivate!
- Next, beat in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s beautifully blended. You’ll want that mixture to be nice and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cake tender and fluffy!
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, spreading it out evenly. I like to use a spatula to make sure it’s all nice and smooth on top.
- Pop that pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be divine!
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
- For the frosting, whip up the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a clean bowl until it’s perfectly smooth. If you need a bit more creaminess, add that splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, spread that heavenly cream cheese frosting over your cooled cake. Take a moment to admire your handiwork before diving in!
And there you have it! A beautiful banana bread cake topped with creamy frosting, ready to wow your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and butter creates an incredibly moist cake that just melts in your mouth.
- Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the banana flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip this up with ease!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration, this cake is sure to impress your guests.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to make it your own!
- Great for Leftovers: This cake stays delicious for days, making it perfect for enjoying a slice (or two!) over the week.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family gatherings.
- Comfort Food Vibes: There’s just something about banana bread cake that brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth with every bite.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting turns out absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips!
- Use Overripe Bananas: The best flavor comes from bananas that are well past their prime—think brown spots and a soft texture. They’ll sweeten your cake beautifully!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be finicky! If you suspect yours runs hot or cold, consider getting an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
- Cool Completely: Make sure your cake is completely cool before frosting it. If it’s warm, the frosting will melt, and nobody wants a gooey mess!
- Adjust the Frosting Consistency: If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, just add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach that dreamy spreadable texture.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor. It’s fun to switch things up!
- Store Properly: Leftover cake can be stored in the refrigerator. Just cover it well to keep it fresh and moist for days to come!
With these tips in your baking toolkit, you’re all set to create a banana bread cake that will wow everyone who gets a slice. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
So there you have it! A delicious treat that feels indulgent but is also fairly balanced. Enjoy your slice of banana bread cake guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting? Don’t worry, I’ve got the answers to some of the most common queries!
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid. Frozen bananas work great and can even make your cake more moist!
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. They’ll give you a similar creamy texture, but the flavor will vary slightly.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This banana bread cake actually tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve.
How should I store leftover cake?
Leftover banana bread cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just wrap it well to keep it moist and delicious!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes! Feel free to mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based butter and cream cheese.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
I love serving it at room temperature, but it’s also delightful when chilled. You can enjoy it plain or with an extra dollop of cream cheese frosting on top!
Got more questions? Let me know—I’m here to help you create the most delicious banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting ever!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this scrumptious banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting, you’ll want to know how to keep it fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are my favorite tips for storing and reheating!
First off, to store your leftovers, let the cake cool completely if you haven’t already. Once it’s cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This keeps the moisture in and prevents it from drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Trust me, it’s hard to resist snacking on it throughout the week!
If you want to keep the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it! Just slice it into individual pieces, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend doing so in the microwave for a quick and easy warm-up. Just pop a slice in for about 10-15 seconds, and you’ll have a cozy, warm treat that feels freshly baked. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. It’ll bring back that lovely texture and flavor!
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting whenever the craving strikes!
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious banana bread cake topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix mashed bananas and butter.
- Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the banana mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add milk to reach desired consistency.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana bread cake, cream cheese frosting, dessert