If you love the nostalgic flavors of classic banana bread but crave something a little more indulgent, the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. It takes the moist, tender crumb of ripe bananas and elevates it with a luscious, velvety cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. This cake is not just dessert; it’s a hug in cake form, ideal for sharing with friends or savoring on a quiet afternoon with a cup of coffee. Every bite offers a comforting familiarity with a sophisticated twist, making it a must-try for any banana bread lover.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to nailing this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each component plays an important role in building the right flavor, texture, and richness that make this cake so unforgettable.
- Ripe bananas: They add natural sweetness and moisture to keep the cake soft and tender.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for the batter and softened for the frosting to bring creaminess and richness.
- Sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness without overpowering the bananas.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and help the cake rise beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural banana flavor and adds fragrant warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The structure provider, giving the cake its tender crumb.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that ensures the cake rises just right.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast if you’re a fan of texture.
- Cream cheese: The star of the frosting—softened to creamy perfection for tangy sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting for that classic finish.
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 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly—this will ensure your cake comes out cleanly and holds its shape perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ripe, mashed bananas with melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mixing these first allows the flavors to meld, forming a smooth base for your cake batter.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and tender. If you love a bit of crunch and nutty flavor, fold in the chopped walnuts now.
Step 4: Bake Your Banana Bread Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center around the 50-minute mark to check; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfect doneness.
Step 5: Cool Before Frosting
Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking to settle, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key—frosting a warm cake will melt the frosting, and you want that luscious cream cheese topping to stay creamy and intact.
Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Keep whipping until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and irresistible.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Slice into thick pieces and enjoy the harmonious blend of banana cake and tangy, sweet frosting. This is the essence of the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, a treat that never disappoints!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by sprinkling toasted walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon atop the frosting. Fresh banana slices or even a drizzle of honey can add a fresh, inviting touch that complements the rich cake beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. For breakfast or brunch, serve with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness and brighten your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the cake and frosting in individual glass jars for a modern take on the classic dessert. Or cut into small cubes and serve as bite-sized finger foods at parties, showcasing the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in a fun, shareable way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep that cream cheese frosting fresh. It will stay perfect for up to four days, making it a convenient treat to enjoy over several days without losing moisture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To gently warm slices, use a microwave on low power for about 15 seconds, or place slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to melt the frosting too much; you want your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to stay delectably creamy.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this cake?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are ideal because they are sweeter and mash easily, lending that wonderful moistness and banana flavor to the cake.
Is it necessary to add nuts in the recipe?
Not at all. The walnuts are optional and offer texture and a nutty contrast, but the cake is delicious even without them, especially if you prefer a smooth, tender crumb.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture in your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
How long does the frosting stay fresh?
When refrigerated, the cream cheese frosting stays fresh for about 4 to 5 days. Make sure to keep the cake covered to prevent the frosting from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
What’s the best way to slice the cake without ruining the frosting?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice to keep clean cuts through the frosting and cake, resulting in neat, pretty pieces every time.
Final Thoughts
There is something simply magical about the combination of moist, flavorful banana bread with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting, and this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking but special enough for celebrations, making it a winner to keep in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort dessert to share and enjoy!
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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 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful twist on classic banana bread, topped with a rich and creamy frosting that perfectly complements the sweet banana flavor. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Ingredients
For the 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)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prepare it for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the banana bread cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can omit the walnuts if there are nut allergies or personal preference.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- The recipe works well with overripe bananas for sweeter flavor and better moisture.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
- Let refrigerated cake come to room temperature before serving for best taste.
