Is there anything more comforting than the smell of banana bread baking in the oven? Now, imagine that classic banana bread transformed into a moist, tender cake, topped with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting. This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a little sweetness in your life. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, treating your family to a weekend treat, or simply indulging in some self-care, this cake is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Moist and Flavorful: Packed with ripe bananas and warm spices, this cake is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor.
Creamy Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the sweet banana cake, creating a match made in dessert heaven.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and pantry staples make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast!
Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel to make it your own.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this cake it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ripe Bananas: The star of the show. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake.
Flour: Provides structure to the cake. Use all-purpose or a 1:1 gluten-free substitute if needed.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Butter: Adds moisture and a buttery flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth to the cake.
Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting, providing a tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of both the cake and the frosting.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bananas. Mix until well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and fluffy.
Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve!
Preparation Time
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This cake is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience:
Fresh Fruit: Top with sliced bananas, strawberries, or a handful of berries for a fresh, fruity twist.
Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Coffee or Tea: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use Overripe Bananas: The spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
Store Properly: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Double the Batch: This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd or to make a second cake for freezing.
FAQ Section
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
2. Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
3. Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, you can use buttercream, whipped cream, or even a simple glaze if you prefer.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Frost it just before serving.
6. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the cake.
7. Can I make this cake vegan?
You can experiment with flax eggs, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese, but the texture may vary.
8. Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use two 9-inch round pans or a bundt pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.
9. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup, but keep in mind it may affect the texture and sweetness.
10. Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves for extra warmth and flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a little indulgence, this cake is sure to bring joy to every bite. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Happy baking!
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful banana bread cake topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. This cake combines the comforting taste of banana bread with the sweet richness of frosting, making it a perfect dessert or snack. Easy to make, irresistible to taste!
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream or buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×9-inch cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Stir in the sour cream or buttermilk until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully combined. Add heavy cream to achieve the desired frosting consistency.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Slice and serve!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the batter.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg