Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Welcome to our delightful recipe blog! Today, we’re excited to share a mouth-watering treat that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Get ready to indulge in the heavenly flavors of our Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply as a comforting dessert at home. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it stand out, while the creamy frosting adds an irresistible touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can whip up this delicious cake.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and cream cheese creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this cake fits every setting perfectly.
- Delightfully Moist: Thanks to the bananas and buttermilk, each slice is wonderfully moist and flavorful.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This cake stays fresh for days, making it ideal for meal prep or late-night snacking.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure successful results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy batter by thoroughly blending ingredients.
- Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls allows you to keep dry and wet ingredients separate until they are combined.
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 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
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
This mixture ensures that your cake rises properly during baking.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, combine:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
Beat them together until light and fluffy. Add:
2 large eggs (one at a time)
Then stir in:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This step builds the foundation for flavor in your batter.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture along with:
1/2 cup buttermilk
Alternate between adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Finally, fold in:
The mashed bananas
This method helps keep your batter airy.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare your frosting by beating together:
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Once smooth, gradually add:
3 cups powdered sugar
And mix until creamy. Stir in:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 7: Frost Your Cake
Once your banana cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Enjoy each slice of this delightful treat!
How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate the experience and impress your guests. Here are some delightful suggestions to make the most of this scrumptious cake.
With Fresh Fruits
- Berries – Serve slices with a side of fresh strawberries or blueberries for a fruity contrast.
- Sliced Bananas – Enhance the banana flavor by adding fresh banana slices on top of each piece.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture complements the cake perfectly, creating a classic dessert pairing.
- Caramel Ice Cream – For a richer taste, try caramel ice cream which adds an indulgent sweetness.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Espresso – The strong coffee flavor balances the sweetness of the cake wonderfully.
- Herbal Tea – A calming herbal tea can provide a soothing complement to the rich flavors.
How to Perfect Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overmix Batter – Gently fold in ingredients to avoid a dense cake; overmixing can lead to toughness.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting – Let the cake cool fully before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing sides with your delicious banana cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some side dishes that work beautifully alongside it.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and sweetness to each bite.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a bright contrast to the rich cake.
- Chocolate Sauce – Drizzling chocolate sauce can add decadence and extra richness to your dessert.
- Nuts – Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top offer a delightful crunch and added flavor.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fruits creates a refreshing side that balances sweetness.
- Cheese Platter – Serve with assorted cheeses for a savory element that contrasts nicely with the sweet cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to steer clear of them.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Using Unripe Bananas: Unripe bananas lack flavor and sweetness. Always use ripe, brown bananas for the best taste.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cake. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Frosting a warm cake can melt the frosting. Allow your cake to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.
- Neglecting to Measure Ingredients Accurately: Inaccurate measurements can lead to poor results. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat each slice on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating as it may dry out.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat for a few minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser texture. Consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat for better results.
How do I make my Banana Cake more moist?
Adding an extra banana or using slightly more buttermilk can enhance moisture levels in your cake.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as alternatives, but they will alter the taste slightly.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips make great additions. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just delicious; it’s versatile too! You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making it perfect for any occasion. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its comforting flavors that bring joy to every bite!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist and flavorful cake, enriched with ripe bananas, is topped with a creamy frosting that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or a cozy evening dessert at home, this recipe is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Each slice offers a burst of sweet banana flavor complemented by the richness of cream cheese, making it a beloved addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 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
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with buttermilk and fold in mashed bananas.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Once the cake is cooled, frost generously.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
