Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well blended and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 4:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula if necessary. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 5:
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
Baking Note:
Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting them; this ensures that the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt and maintains a beautiful appearance.
Suggestions for Presentation:
When serving your Banana Bread Cake, consider stacking the layers to create a beautiful centerpiece. You can garnish the top with slices of fresh banana, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, or a dusting of additional powdered sugar for an aesthetically pleasing finish. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Tips:
- For an added flavor dimension, consider incorporating spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the cake batter.
- Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth frosting.
- For classic banana flavor enhancement, you can fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.
Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus cooling
Nutritional Information (per slice):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the epitome of comfort food redefined. It captures the warmth and nostalgia of homestyle baking, delivering a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is bound to impress your family and friends. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this indulgent cake and watch it become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Bake it, share it, and enjoy all the compliments that come your way!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used; just ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before mashing. - What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for a similar effect. - How should I store the leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake before frosting it. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. - Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
Absolutely! You can add in chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or dried fruits for different flavor variations. Just keep in mind to adjust baking times if necessary.
