Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Combining the comforting flavors of banana bread with a smooth, creamy frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or looking for a sweet treat after dinner, this cake will impress. With its moist texture and rich frosting, it’s sure to become a beloved dessert in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast! This cake fits seamlessly into any meal.
• Great for Sharing: With six generous servings, it’s ideal for gatherings or to share with friends and family.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making the Banana Bread Cake, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to achieve a smooth batter and perfectly blended frosting without much effort.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, ensuring your cake turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

This Banana Bread Cake combines the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly moist and topped with a luscious layer of sweetness, it’s ideal for dessert or as a tea-time treat.

For the Banana Cake

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 ½ cups)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp salt

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Mixing Bowl

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with softened butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Mix until fully incorporated. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, whip together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness if desired by adding more powdered sugar.

Step 6: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting over your banana bread cake using a rubber spatula for an even layer. Slice and serve!

Enjoy this delightful Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting at your next gathering or whenever you crave something sweet!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate its deliciousness and make it even more appealing. Here are a few creative ways to serve this delightful dessert.

Classic Slice

• Serve a thick slice of banana bread cake topped generously with cream cheese frosting. This is perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.

Mini Cupcakes

• Cut the banana bread cake into bite-sized squares or use a cupcake pan. Top each with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for individual servings that are easy to share.

Layered Parfait

• Create a dessert parfait by layering pieces of banana bread cake, fresh fruits like berries, and cream cheese frosting in a glass. This adds visual appeal and extra flavor.

Brunch Platter

• Include slices of banana bread cake on your brunch platter alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola. It adds variety to the meal and satisfies sweet cravings.

Ice Cream Sandwich

• For an indulgent treat, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two slices of banana bread cake. Finish off with a drizzle of frosting on top.

Gift-Worthy Treats

• Wrap slices of banana bread cake in decorative paper tied with a ribbon. Perfect as gifts for friends or family, especially during special occasions.

How to Perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Banana Bread Cake is always perfectly moist and flavorful, consider these helpful tips.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid overly dense cake.

• Soften butter and cream cheese: Let them sit at room temperature before mixing to create a smooth frosting.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow the banana bread cake to cool fully before adding cream cheese frosting for the best texture.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Banana Bread Cake can enhance the overall experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Greek Yogurt: Serve plain or flavored yogurt alongside for a creamy contrast that complements the richness of the frosting.

3. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola provides texture variation while adding wholesome ingredients to your meal.

4. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup pairs beautifully with banana bread cake, enhancing its flavors during tea time.

5. Creamy Smoothie: Blend bananas, spinach, and almond milk for a refreshing drink that aligns well with dessert.

6. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option adds fiber while being subtly sweet, balancing out richer desserts.

7. Spiced Nuts: A small bowl of spiced nuts offers crunchiness that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cake.

8. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese for an unexpected but delightful pairing that enhances flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, avoid these common mistakes to ensure a perfect result.

• Overripe Bananas: Using bananas that are too overripe can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for ripe bananas with brown spots but still firm.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the cake’s rise and moisture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Accurate measurements are crucial for the right texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons, and level off dry ingredients for precision.
• Skipping the Cream Cheese Softening Step: Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your frosting. Always soften it to room temperature before mixing for a smooth finish.
• Neglecting to Cool the Cake Completely: Frosting a warm cake can melt the frosting. Allow your Banana Bread Cake to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the cream cheese frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm but not hot.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover it, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. The cake may have a denser texture.

How do I make my Banana Bread Cake gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What are some variations of Banana Bread Cake?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits into the batter for different flavors. Experiment to find your favorite combination!

How should I store leftover cream cheese frosting?

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Re-whip before using it again.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake keeps well and can be made a day ahead. Just store it properly and frost it when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. It makes a delightful dessert or tea-time treat that you can easily customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Try this recipe today and enjoy its moist texture paired with creamy sweetness!