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If you are looking for a dessert that feels cozy, comforting, and absolutely irresistible, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is just what you need. Imagine a moist, tender banana cake bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, perfectly complemented by a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite. It’s a delightful twist on classic banana bread that transforms a simple loaf into a show-stopping cake that friends and family will rave about time and again. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, this recipe offers a warm hug on a plate that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color you expect from the best banana bread variations.
- Ripe bananas: The key for natural sweetness and moist crumb, make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for the cake and softened for the frosting, it brings richness and tenderness.
- Sugar: Balances the banana’s natural sweetness while helping to create a tender texture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, inviting notes.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s structure and density.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
- Salt: Amplifies the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds delightful crunch and a toasty contrast to the softness.
- Cream cheese: The star of the frosting for tanginess and creamy richness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it that smooth texture.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure your cake slides out easily once baked. Taking this step seriously sets you up for a flawless cake release and even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas with the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until all these components meld into a smooth, inviting batter that smells like warmth and comfort itself. This is where the base flavor forms—take a moment to appreciate it.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir just until everything is combined; overmixing can lead to a denser cake than you want. If you’re including walnuts, fold them in at this stage to scatter their crunchiness evenly throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes to watch that golden crust develop. Insert a toothpick in the center after 50 minutes—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Step 5: Cool Before Frosting
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes — this lets the cake firm up slightly for safer handling. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here ensures your frosting won’t melt into a mess later.
Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
Using softened cream cheese and butter, beat them together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. This is the luxurious topping that makes this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy!
Once the cake has cooled fully, spread your cream cheese frosting delicately over the top. Slice and serve, sharing smiles and maybe a second helping!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or banana chips on top of the cream cheese frosting for a beautiful and crunchy finish. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can also accentuate the warm, cozy flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing chai tea, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Fresh berries on the side add a burst of color and a tart contrast to the sweet cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into small squares and serving it on a dessert platter with fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation. You can even layer slices with dollops of whipped cream and sliced bananas for a fun banana bread trifle twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep your banana bread cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Using an airtight container helps maintain that moist cake texture and the cream cheese frosting’s freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then frost as usual for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
If you like your banana bread cake a bit warm, slice and microwave individual pieces for about 15 seconds. Avoid reheating the whole cake with frosting in the oven to prevent it from melting messily.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake, but keep in mind the cream cheese frosting adds extra sweetness, so balance accordingly.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
No worries! The walnuts are optional and can be omitted without losing the classic flavor. You can also substitute with pecans or toasted coconut for a different twist.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best flavor, use bananas that are spotted with brown and very soft. The riper, the sweeter, and the more flavorful your banana bread cake will be.
Can I turn this into cupcakes instead?
Yes, you can! Just divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Frost them once cool for perfectly portable treats.
Is there a way to make the frosting less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting slightly or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Another option is to use a cream cheese frosting recipe with added lemon juice for a tangier profile.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a true keeper and one I’m so excited to share with you. It combines the rustic charm of banana bread with the elegance of a cake topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting. If you want to impress or simply indulge in a nostalgic, comforting dessert, this one is all you need. Grab your bananas and get baking—once you try it, it’s going to be a favorite you return to again and again.
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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful treat combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, tangy frosting. Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack, this recipe is easy to prepare and yields a tender loaf that’s beautifully complemented by smooth cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Cake:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the banana mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts if using, taking care not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the banana bread cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve to enjoy this delightful dessert.
Notes
- Using very ripe bananas enhances the flavor and sweetness of the cake.
- Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch, but can be omitted or replaced with other nuts or chocolate chips.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- The frosting can be adjusted for sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
