Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Craving a sweet, moist dessert? This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect solution! It combines the classic flavor of banana bread with a rich and creamy frosting, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cake:
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute)
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust to desired sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.
2️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Beat until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. Adjust sweetness with more powdered sugar if desired.
3️⃣ Frost and Serve:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Slice and serve this moist and delicious Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Optional Variations:
- Nutty Banana Bread Cake: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cake: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist on the classic.
- Spiced Banana Bread Cake: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced flavor.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cake:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the more flavorful the cake will be. Overripe bananas work best!
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the cake moist and tender.
- Allow the cake to cool: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting it. This prevents the frosting from melting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use a different type of frosting for this cake?
A: Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple buttercream or whipped cream frosting if you prefer a lighter option.
Q: How can I store leftover banana bread cake?
A: Store leftover banana bread cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy it chilled.
Q: Can I freeze this banana bread cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake without frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can frost it after thawing.
Q: Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
A: Yes! You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Final Thoughts: This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect balance of moist banana flavor and creamy frosting. Whether for a family dessert or a special occasion, this cake will surely be a hit. Enjoy!
