Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly blends the comforting goodness of banana bread with the rich indulgence of frosting, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine a moist, tender cake bursting with ripe banana flavor, crowned with a luxuriously creamy frosting that brings everything together in each bite. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of familiar, beloved ingredients elevated into something truly special that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, classic ingredients. Each one plays an important role, contributing to the cake’s perfect texture, balanced sweetness, and irresistible aroma. From the ripe bananas that bring natural moisture and flavor to the creamy frost that adds a luscious finishing touch, every ingredient is essential.

• Mashed ripe bananas: Using 3-4 very ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and moisture throughout the cake.
• All-purpose flour: The base providing structure and crumb, perfect for keeping the cake tender yet sturdy.
• Baking soda: Acts as the leavening agent, helping the cake rise to a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cake and the frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens while keeping the cake light and airy.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for depth.
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients and help with structure and moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, fragrant note that complements the banana beautifully.
• Buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice/vinegar): Enhances tenderness and adds a slight tang that balances sweetness.
• Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, bringing tangy creaminess and a smooth texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for spreading.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, then lightly dusting it with flour. This simple step ensures your cake will release easily after baking and have beautiful edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This combination provides the cake’s foundation, making sure it rises just right and has a tender crumb without any dense patches.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step whips air into the batter, crucial for that perfect cake texture we love.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract, which will elevate the flavor profile with its warm sweetness.

Step 5: Incorporate Bananas

Add your mashed bananas and mix gently until just combined. The mashed bananas add moisture and natural sweetness that makes each bite incredibly tender and flavorful.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the banana mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating continuously until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar to your taste.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. This final step transforms the banana bread cake into a stunning and irresistible dessert.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe even more eye-catching, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, a light dusting of cinnamon, or some thin banana slices on top. These additions enhance texture and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a fresh berry medley to add brightness and contrast to the creamy richness of the frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut the cake into neat squares and serve on decorative plates with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Alternatively, layer slices with extra frosting and banana slices for a beautiful cake stack that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover banana bread cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Keep in mind that refrigerator storage preserves the cream cheese frosting best.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

For the best experience, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid reheating too long, as it can soften or melt the frosting. Room temperature slices also taste fantastic, especially if you plan to enjoy this as a midday snack or breakfast treat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully for this recipe as long as they’re fully thawed and mashed before mixing. They’re often even sweeter, which enhances the banana flavor in your cake.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This sour milk substitute will help tenderize the cake and add a slight tang.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the cake’s structure and texture.

How long will the cream cheese frosting stay fresh?

The cream cheese frosting is best consumed within 3-5 days when kept refrigerated in an airtight container. Always keep the cake chilled to maintain the frosting’s fresh, creamy texture.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Definitely. Doubling the ingredients will allow you to bake in a larger pan or multiple pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may increase slightly; use a toothpick test to check doneness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and joyful about making and sharing this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of simple, wholesome ingredients and indulgent creaminess that never fails to bring smiles around the table. Whether for a cozy afternoon with friends or a special celebration, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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