If you love the cozy comfort of classic banana bread but crave something a little more celebratory and indulgent, then this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. It’s the perfect blend of moist, tender banana bread transformed into a luscious layered cake crowned with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Each bite offers that familiar warmth with a delightful, frosting-coated twist that makes it irresistible for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at banana bread the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly special, you’ll want to use simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one plays a starring role, from the ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture to the luscious cream cheese that adds depth and richness to the frosting.
- Ripe bananas: Mash them well for natural sweetness and moist texture that’s key to the cake’s soft crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure without making the cake heavy.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners help the cake rise with a perfect tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness of the bananas.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky crumb, plus it’s softened to blend smoothly.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist texture.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add some lift to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aromatic note to both the cake and frosting.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the cake from being overly sweet.
- Cream cheese: The star of the frosting that gives it creamy texture and tang.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a spreadable, fluffy consistency.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily from the pan after baking, giving you a smooth surface ready for frosting.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients together brightens their flavors and ensures even distribution, which is critical for a uniform rise and perfect fluffy texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this takes a few minutes but is worth the effort. This step develops air pockets, which translate to a soft cake crumb that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing each in until fully incorporated. Follow with the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, enjoying the aroma as the batter starts to come alive with delicious, banana-sweetened goodness.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Now, gradually mix in your dry ingredients, alternating with sour cream. This alternating method keeps the batter balanced and avoids overmixing, which could toughen the cake texture. The sour cream contributes moisture and a slight tang that’s essential for that perfect banana bread flavor.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and level it out gently. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back lightly to the touch and fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that promises pure comfort.
Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat together the cream cheese and butter with vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and perfectly spreadable. This frosting is the pièce de résistance, balancing sweetness with tang and indulgence.
Step 8: Frost and Delight
Once the cake is completely cool, spread your luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. This step transforms your banana bread into a celebratory cake that’s ready to share and savor.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Boost the presentation and flavor by adding chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch on top. Fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a lovely finishing touch, enhancing both aroma and texture.
Side Dishes
This banana bread cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of warm coffee or chai tea for a perfect morning or afternoon treat. Alternatively, a serving of rich vanilla ice cream makes it a dreamy dessert after dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve cut squares on decorative plates with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of cocoa powder for visual appeal. You can also layer slices between whipped cream and toasted nuts for a playful, layered dessert parfait experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting keeps the cake moist, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted banana bread cake wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving to preserve the fresh texture and flavors.
Reheating
For the best experience, gently warm a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to bring out those rich, comforting banana flavors. Avoid heating the frosting too much as it can melt and lose its beautiful texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great as long as you thaw and mash them well to avoid excess moisture that could affect the batter.
Is it okay to swap sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, plain full-fat yogurt is a fantastic substitute, adding similar tanginess and moisture while keeping the cake tender.
How long will the cream cheese frosting stay fresh?
If refrigerated properly, the frosting should stay fresh and safe to eat for up to 5 days. Always cover the cake well to prevent it from drying out.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can, though it will slightly change the texture and flavor. A half-and-half mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour is a good compromise for added nutrition without sacrificing softness.
What is the best way to get the frosting perfectly fluffy?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature, then beat them vigorously before adding powdered sugar. This technique traps air and creates that light, airy frosting you’re aiming for.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a joyful twist on a timeless favorite that’s bound to bring smiles at any occasion. Rich, moist, and luxuriously frosted, it’s the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, embrace this delightful bake and share a slice with someone you care about—you deserve it!
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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A moist and flavorful Banana Bread Cake topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make treat combines ripe bananas with a soft, buttery cake base, finished with a smooth and tangy frosting, perfect for any occasion or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Cake
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prepare it for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs one by one into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet, alternating with the sour cream, mixing carefully until the batter is just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Make Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the banana bread cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve to enjoy the delicious combination of moist cake and creamy frosting.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
