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If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is just what you need. This luscious cake is moist and tender thanks to ripe bananas, with a lovely hint of vanilla and buttermilk shining through. Topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that balances sweetness perfectly, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or the centerpiece of a celebration, this recipe never fails to bring smiles to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe? The ingredients are straightforward but each one plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture.
- 3 ripe bananas: The star of the cake, they add natural sweetness and keep the cake moist.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure so the cake holds together beautifully.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises just right for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk for a light, airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a fluffy cake texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the banana flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with a lovely warm note.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the crumb for a soft bite.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base for the frosting with a delightful tang.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Combines with cream cheese for a luxurious frosting texture.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a touch for subtle sweetness in the frosting.
How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly; this step ensures your cake will come out clean and intact after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination of leavening agents and seasoning prepares the perfect foundation for your cake’s texture and flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This airy base is key to a tender crumb. Then, add eggs one at a time for smooth incorporation, along with vanilla extract to infuse that classic, comforting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing gently after each addition. This technique helps maintain a light texture. Once combined, delicately fold in the mashed ripe bananas. Their moisture and flavor will shine in every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to frosting—patience here truly pays off.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is luxuriously thick and spreadable. This will be the luscious topping that transforms your banana cake into a showstopper.
Step 7: Frost Your Banana Cake
Once your cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. The contrast between the moist cake and the tangy frosting is what makes this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and enhance the nutty undertones of the banana cake. Fresh banana slices or a light dusting of cinnamon also make for a charming and flavorful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk for a harmonious experience. For a more indulgent touch, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate your dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Slice the banana cake into small squares and serve on colorful appetizer plates. Try layering cake and frosting in parfait glasses for an elegant twist, or arrange slices on a platter with fresh fruit and edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and moist for up to five days, with the cream cheese frosting staying delicious and creamy throughout.
Freezing
If you want to keep the cake longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then frost just before serving for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover banana cake warm, slice a piece and microwave it for about 15 seconds. Warming the cake slightly enhances its flavors and softens the cream cheese frosting just enough to melt in your mouth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully and can even make the cake extra moist. Just make sure they’re completely thawed and well mashed before adding to the batter.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives like vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based milk with a bit of lemon juice to mimic buttermilk. This keeps the cake delicious while fitting dairy-free needs.
Why is buttermilk used in this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Buttermilk adds acidity which reacts with baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture. It also adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even spots of black. They are sweeter and softer, which results in a more flavorful and moist cake.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before spreading on the cake for easy and smooth application.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a treasure that never gets old. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and that unbeatable combo of banana goodness plus tangy frosting, it’s a recipe to keep close to your heart. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
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Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious way to use ripe bananas. The cake combines mashed bananas with a tender crumb made from all-purpose flour, baking powder, and buttermilk, then topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that complements the sweetness perfectly. Ideal for dessert or afternoon tea, this classic cake yields 12 generous servings.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender and airy cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Bananas: Fold in the mashed ripe bananas carefully to avoid deflating the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake bakes or cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing for a smooth frosting.
- For a lighter texture, avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra texture.
