If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly blends nostalgic comfort with a touch of elegance, the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake takes that beloved banana bread flavor and transforms it into a moist, tender cake layered with luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. It feels like a warm hug in every bite, offering the ideal balance of sweetness and richness that can brighten any afternoon or celebrate any special moment with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe may sound fancy, the ingredients are delightfully simple and familiar. Each element plays an essential role in delivering the perfect texture and unforgettable taste, from the ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture, to the rich cream cheese frosting that adds a silky, tangy finish.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and a soft, moist crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s structure and tenderness.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully while keeping it light.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Reacts with the bananas for a soft, airy crumb.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moistness to the batter.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the bananas.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure and moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant aroma into the cake.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Boosts moisture and contributes to a tender texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the frosting, lending creaminess and tang.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened: Blends with the cream cheese for smooth frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese mixture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This step ensures your cake will bake evenly and won’t stick when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these creates the perfect leavening mix that helps your cake rise just right while maintaining a tender crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air that contributes to the cake’s lovely texture and subtle sweetness.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in your mashed bananas and vanilla extract — these ingredients add moisture, flavor depth, and that unmistakable banana bread charm.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. This technique keeps the batter smooth and ensures the cake stays wonderfully moist and soft.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell incredible as the cake bakes!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy and luscious. This frosting is the crowning glory that complements the flavors perfectly.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Slice and serve this delightful Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to your eagerly waiting guests or as a special treat just for yourself!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, or lightly dust the frosting with cinnamon to echo the warm flavors of the cake. Fresh banana slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make dessert feel extra indulgent. A cup of strong coffee or chai tea perfectly balances the sweetness and rounds out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the cake as mini cupcakes with piped cream cheese frosting for parties. Alternatively, cut it into bars and wrap individual pieces for a grab-and-go snack that’s guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw completely before frosting to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy this cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. To keep the frosting from getting too soft, reheat gently and enjoy immediately for the perfect balance.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are ideal because they are sweeter and mash more easily, which enhances the flavor and moisture of the cake.
What can I substitute for sour cream if I don’t have any on hand?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a 1-to-1 replacement. Both will maintain the cake’s tenderness and add a subtle tang that complements the banana flavor.
How do I prevent my cream cheese frosting from being runny?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted. Beat them well before adding powdered sugar gradually. If it still seems loose, a bit more powdered sugar will help thicken it to the perfect consistency.
Is this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe suitable for freezing after frosting?
It’s best to freeze the cake before frosting for the best texture. Freezing after frosting can alter the cream cheese’s smoothness and sometimes cause separation upon thawing.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delightful.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a timeless favorite into a new, exciting form. Its moist crumb and luscious frosting make it impossible to resist, and it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring quietly all to yourself. I hope you give it a try soon and find yourself just as enchanted by this cake as I am!
Print
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
Delight in this moist and flavorful Banana Bread Cake topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced sweetness and richness make this cake a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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 ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to combine.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting becomes fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake has completely cooled, frost the top evenly with the cream cheese frosting. Slice and serve to enjoy this delicious treat.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste and added protein.
- Store leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bring cake to room temperature before serving if refrigerated to enhance flavor and texture.
