Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – A Delicious Twist

Banana bread and cake lovers, rejoice! This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect blend of moist banana bread and fluffy cake. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this dessert will quickly become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a comforting treat, this recipe delivers. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is everything you want in a dessert. It’s moist, fluffy, and filled with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, rich finish that perfectly complements the cake. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, mixing until well combined. Next, stir in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream or Greek yogurt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting for an additional 1-2 minutes to make it light and fluffy.

Frost and Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife. For added flair, garnish with chopped nuts, banana slices, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Slice and serve your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Enjoy every bite of this decadent treat!

Tips for Success

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Custom Toppings: Add a personal touch by topping the frosting with chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This cake stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to use an airtight container to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze the cake (unfrosted) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for the butter, and use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative. For the frosting, opt for a dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitute.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?

You can mash bananas with a fork or potato masher. For an ultra-smooth texture, use a blender or food processor.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Yes! This recipe can be used to make cupcakes. Fill lined cupcake tins about two-thirds full and bake for 18-22 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use two 8-inch round pans or a bundt pan instead. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness with a toothpick.

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to impress everyone who takes a bite. With its moist texture, delightful banana flavor, and creamy frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Try it out today!