Description: This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting elevates the classic banana bread into a decadent dessert experience. The moist, flavorful banana cake is perfectly complemented by a tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Ingredients:
Banana Cake:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat is best for moisture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 ounces) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or more, as needed, for desired consistency)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra assurance.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter, more tender cake. Use an electric mixer for the best results, and scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The eggs provide structure and richness to the cake. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for optimal emulsification into the batter.
Step 4: Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of baking soda or salt in the cake. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until the flour streaks disappear.
Step 7: Gently fold in the mashed bananas. Ensure the bananas are ripe and well-mashed for the best flavor and texture. Overripe bananas add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
Step 10: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before frosting. Cooling the cake completely prevents the frosting from melting and makes it easier to spread.
Step 11: While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Ensure both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to prevent lumps in the frosting.
Step 12: Add the vanilla extract and gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar. Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures a smooth frosting.
Step 13: Add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You may need to add more or less heavy cream depending on the humidity and the consistency of your butter and cream cheese.
Step 14: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Step 15: Slice and serve.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The cake is incredibly moist, tender, and bursting with banana flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the cake’s richness. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert to enjoy with your family or a show-stopping cake to impress your guests, this recipe is a winner.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
- Garnish with fresh banana slices or chopped nuts.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Tips:
- Use ripe or overripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The browner, the better!
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to avoid a tough cake.
- Sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps in the frosting.
- For a richer flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon to the batter.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes + cooling
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 4-5g
- Sodium: 200-250mg
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.)
Conclusion:
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a truly irresistible dessert that combines the comforting flavors of banana bread with the decadent richness of cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are always delicious. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will leave everyone wanting more! Enjoy the process, and savor every bite of this delightful treat.
Questions and Answers about the Recipe:
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them. Frozen bananas tend to be more watery, so draining them will help prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.
Q: Can I substitute the sour cream with yogurt?
A: Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt. Greek yogurt will provide a similar tang and moisture to the cake. If using regular yogurt, you may want to reduce the amount of liquid slightly to avoid a soggy cake.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients to help bind the cake together.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?
A: To prevent the cake from sinking in the middle, make sure you are not overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense cake that is more likely to sink. Also, ensure that your oven is properly preheated and that the cake is baked at the correct temperature.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to this banana bread cake. You can add about 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work well, but you can also use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
