Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting! It’s like a cozy hug on a plate—moist, flavorful, and topped with that creamy goodness we all adore. I remember the first time I made this recipe; I was trying to impress my friends at a brunch, and it was an absolute hit! The combination of sweet, ripe bananas and the rich, tangy frosting is truly unbeatable. This cake is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your baking rotation!
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delightful banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed, the riper the better for flavor!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, for that rich, caramel-like taste)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, so it creams easily with the sugars)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature for better mixing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that warm, comforting flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (to help it rise perfectly)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, for a smooth frosting)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for sweetness in the frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting, to tie all the flavors together)
These ingredients come together to create a cake that’s not only delicious but also incredibly moist and fluffy. Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to baking bliss!
How to Prepare Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting! It’s easier than you might think, so follow along and let’s create some baking magic!
Prepping the Batter
First, grab those ripe bananas and mash them up in a bowl. I like to use a fork—it’s simple and gets the job done! In another mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it adds air to the batter. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. You want everything to blend together nicely. Once that’s done, gently stir in the mashed bananas until well mixed. The smell of sweet bananas will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly!
Baking the Cake
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined—don’t overmix! Pour the luscious batter into a greased cake pan and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. Here’s a pro tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready to cool on a wire rack.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake cools, let’s whip up that cream cheese frosting! In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it’s super smooth and creamy—this is where the magic happens! If you want the frosting to be extra fluffy, you can beat it with a hand mixer for a minute or two. Once your cake has completely cooled, spread that dreamy frosting all over the top, and voila! You’ve got a banana bread cake that’s ready to impress.
Tips for Success
To make your banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use overripe bananas—they’re sweeter and more flavorful, which really enhances the cake. If you can, let them sit until they’re speckled with brown spots; that’s when they’re at their best!
When creaming the butter and sugars, take your time. This process adds air to the batter, making your cake lighter and fluffier. And remember, don’t overmix when adding the dry ingredients! Just mix until combined to keep that lovely texture.
Finally, let your cake cool completely before frosting it. This step ensures that the cream cheese frosting stays nice and fluffy instead of melting into a gooey mess. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your cake to the next level!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for this banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting. Keep in mind that the nutrition facts can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. Generally, you can expect this delicious cake to have around 250 calories per slice, with a good balance of sugars, fats, and carbs. But remember, these values are just typical estimates! For the most accurate information, it’s always best to calculate based on your exact ingredients. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—whip it up in just 15 minutes!
- Incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth.
- Delightful flavor combination of sweet bananas and creamy frosting.
- Perfect for various occasions, from brunches to birthday celebrations.
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- Great for using up overripe bananas—you’ll feel like a waste-not hero!
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is delightful on its own, but here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving experience! Pair a slice with a steaming cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat, or enjoy it alongside a refreshing cup of herbal tea for a nice balance. If you’re feeling a bit fruity, a side of fresh berries or sliced strawberries adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the cake beautifully. You could even serve it as a dessert at brunch with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch! No matter how you serve it, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting fresh and tasty, it’s important to store it properly. Once the cake has cooled completely, you can cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out and keeps that luscious frosting intact. If you’re storing it at room temperature, it should be good for about 2-3 days. However, if you want to extend its life, pop it in the fridge where it can last up to a week.
If you’ve got leftovers that you know you won’t finish right away, you can freeze the cake! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy a slice of heaven whenever the craving strikes! To reheat, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight. If you want to warm it up a bit more, you can pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or the frosting might get a little too melty! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Is there a gluten-free option for this banana bread cake?
Yes, you can make this banana bread cake gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum, as that helps with the texture. You’ll still get that amazing moistness!
How should I store leftover cake?
Great question! To keep your banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you cover it, so the frosting doesn’t get too gooey!
Can I freeze this banana bread cake?
Yes, you can definitely freeze this cake! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up!
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A perfect way to check for doneness is to use a toothpick! Insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re good to go! Remember, it’ll continue to cook a bit while cooling, so don’t leave it in the oven too long.
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: 5 Steps Easy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist banana bread cake topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mash the bananas.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- Stir in mashed bananas.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can add nuts for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: banana bread cake, cream cheese frosting, dessert
