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, potlucks, or simply a cozy family dessert night. Its moist texture and rich frosting make it a standout choice among banana desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and creamy frosting creates an irresistible taste that everyone loves.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the bananas and buttermilk, this cake stays moist and tender for days.
- Customizable Frosting: Feel free to experiment with different flavors or toppings on the cream cheese frosting.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your delicious Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Toothpick
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for even baking and easy serving.
- Rubber spatula: Helps fold in ingredients gently without overmixing, preserving the cake’s softness.
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 ensure that your cake comes out easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, beat together:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
Whip them until light and fluffy. Then, add:
2 large eggs (one at a time)
Stir in:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix until everything is fully integrated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture alternating with:
1/2 cup buttermilk
Start and end with the flour mixture. Gently fold in:
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
Ensure there are no lumps while being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the cake bakes, prepare your cream cheese 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 in:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat until creamy.
Step 7: Frost Your Cake
Once your cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Enjoy this delightful Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting as a sweet treat!
How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful ideas to make your cake shine at gatherings or family meals.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Strawberries – The tartness of strawberries complements the sweetness of the banana cake.
- Ripe Mango Chunks – Juicy mango adds a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the flavors.
- Blueberry Garnish – Sprinkle fresh blueberries on top for a burst of color and taste.
Accompany with Beverages
- Coffee – A warm cup of coffee enhances the richness of the cake.
- Iced Tea – Refreshing iced tea is a perfect match for this sweet treat.
- Milkshake – A creamy milkshake provides a fun twist to your dessert experience.
Creative Presentation Ideas
- Layered Cake Slices – Present slices stacked with extra frosting in between for an indulgent look.
- Cake Pops – Transform leftover cake into cake pops for a fun, bite-sized treat.
- Mini Parfaits – Layer pieces of banana cake and frosting in glasses for an elegant dessert.
How to Perfect Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips.
- Use Ripe Bananas – Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to your cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overmix Batter – Gently fold in ingredients to keep the cake fluffy and light.
- Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to confirm accuracy; baking times may vary.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting – Let the cake cool fully to prevent melting of the frosting.
- Add Flavor Variations – Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your delicious banana cake can enhance its flavors. Here’s a list of perfect accompaniments.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm cake.
- Whipped Cream – Light and airy, whipped cream brings extra creaminess that complements the frosting.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides a light counterbalance to the richness of the cake.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle – A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds decadence and enhances flavor depth.
- Caramel Sauce – Sweet caramel sauce pairs well, creating a luscious combination with every bite.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layers of yogurt mixed with fruits can balance out the sweetness of the cake.
- Nut Brittle Topping – Crunchy nut brittle adds texture and a savory touch alongside sweet flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.
- Using under-ripe bananas – Ripe bananas add sweetness and moisture. Choose bananas that are heavily spotted or brown for the best flavor.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise amounts.
- Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
- Not letting the cake cool completely – Frosting a warm cake can melt the frosting. Allow your cake to cool completely before spreading on the cream cheese frosting.
- Skipping the cream cheese softening step – Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your frosting. Ensure it’s softened at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.
Freezing Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped slices for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Expect a denser cake.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make buttermilk by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Use 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of either vinegar or lemon juice; let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
How do I make my frosting less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, add more cream cheese or a pinch of salt. This will balance flavors without compromising texture.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Yes! This banana cake recipe works well for cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for about 18-20 minutes.
How should I store leftover frosting?
Store any leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or varying spices according to your taste. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its heartwarming flavors!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in a slice of our delightful Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, the perfect dessert for any occasion. This moist cake, infused with ripe bananas, is topped with a creamy, rich frosting that makes it irresistible. Ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or cozy family nights, this recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. With its tender texture and customizable flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite. Surprise your guests or family with this luscious treat that balances sweetness and richness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry mixture and buttermilk; fold in mashed bananas gently.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
