Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy Recipe
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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy Recipe
Why Are We Obsessed with Banana Bread Cake?
Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! Today, we are diving into an incredibly moist banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting—a dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, tangy frosting. Did you know that the average home baker searches for “banana bread recipe” over 50,000 times a month globally? That’s a testament to its enduring popularity! Whether you’re looking for a banana loaf with decadent cream cheese frosting or simply a comforting, homemade treat, this recipe will guide you to a delightful end result. Let’s get started on this mouthwatering adventure!
The Star Players: Ingredients for Your Banana Bread Cake
The magic of banana bread cake lies in its simplicity and the power of ripe bananas. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ripe Bananas: 3-4 large, very ripe bananas (about 1.5 cups mashed). The spottier, the better! They provide natural sweetness and that signature moist texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups. Provides the essential structure for our cake.
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup. Balances the banana’s sweetness and aids in caramelization.
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed. Adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor and extra moisture.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened. For richness and a tender crumb.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, at room temperature. They bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup. This is our secret to an exceptionally moist cake. Its tanginess also complements the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances all the flavors.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. Our leavener, crucial for a good rise.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, but highly recommended). Adds warmth and depth.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. The tangy backbone of our frosting.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened. For smoothness and structure.
- Powdered Sugar: 2-3 cups, sifted. Adjust to your desired sweetness and consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. For that classic frosting flavor.
- Milk or Cream: 1-2 tablespoons, if needed to reach desired consistency.
Timing is Everything in Baking
20 minutes
30-40 minutes
1 hour
This recipe is designed for efficiency, typically taking around 1 hour from start to finish, which is slightly faster than the average complex cake recipe, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend bake.
Let’s Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your beautiful banana bread cake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture if you like. The riper the bananas, the easier they’ll mash and the sweeter your cake will be.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the room temperature eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Mix until just combined. This creates the luscious base for our cake.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisking ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients.
Step 5: Mix the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Then, gently fold in the mashed bananas. A few streaks of banana are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Bake the Bread Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be divine!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your banana bread cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream until it reaches your desired spreading consistency.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the banana bread cake has cooled completely (this is crucial for frosting!), spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve your masterpiece!
Nutritional Snapshot
While individual calorie counts can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, a typical slice of this banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is estimated to contain:
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 kcal
- Macronutrients: Rich in carbohydrates from sugar and flour, moderate in fat from butter and cream cheese, and a small amount of protein.
Note: This is an approximation. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.
Healthier Twists Without Sacrificing Flavor
Want to lighten things up a bit? Try these swaps:
- Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar slightly, leveraging the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. You can also experiment with coconut sugar or maple syrup (adjusting liquid accordingly).
- Frosting: For a lighter frosting, use a lower-fat cream cheese and reduce the powdered sugar. You can also opt for a whipped cream topping or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
- Fat: Replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for added moisture and reduced fat.
How to Serve Your Banana Bread Cake
This banana bread cake is a delightful treat on its own, but here are a few ideas:
- With Coffee or Tea: It’s the perfect companion for your morning or afternoon beverage.
- As a Dessert: Serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Brunch Star: It’s a fantastic addition to any brunch spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t let these common pitfalls ruin your bake!
- Using Underripe Bananas: They lack the sweetness and moisture needed. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to a tough, dense cake. Mix until just combined.
- Oven Temperature Inaccuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Frosting a Warm Cake: This will cause the frosting to melt. Patience is key!
Storing Your Banana Bread Cake
To keep your banana bread cake fresh:
- Room Temperature: If unfrosted or frosted with a buttercream, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: With cream cheese frosting, it’s best to refrigerate your cake. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Without frosting, you can wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
We hope you loved this recipe! If you tried it, tell us how it turned out in the comments below. Do you have any favorite banana bread variations? Share them with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my banana bread cake dense?
This can happen if you overmix the batter, use baking soda that has lost its potency, or bake at too low a temperature. Ensure your ingredients are fresh and your oven is calibrated.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, absolutely! Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are often even riper and more flavorful.
How do I get a more intense banana flavor?
Use the ripest bananas you can find – the ones that are almost black. You can also slightly reduce the amount of sugar to let the banana flavor shine more prominently.
Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
Yes! Prepare the batter as usual and fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Frost once completely cooled.
Your Deliciously Easy Banana Bread Cake Awaits!
There you have it – a straightforward yet incredibly satisfying recipe for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist, flavorful cake is a testament to the simple magic of ripe bananas and a luscious, tangy frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a celebratory dessert. Give this recipe a try and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Happy baking!
PrintBanana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy Recipe
Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! Today, we are diving into an incrediblymoist banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting—a dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, tangy frosting. Whether you’re looking for abanana loaf with decadent cream cheese frostingor simply a comforting, homemade treat, this recipe will guide you to a delightful end result. Let’s get started on this mouthwatering adventure!
Ingredients
- Optional substitutions: For a dairy-free version, try using a dairy-free butter and non-dairy cream cheese. For a lighter alternative, substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the sour cream and mashed bananas until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bread is cooling, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the bread is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Banana Selection: For the best flavor, use bananas that are overly ripe with brown spots.
Storage Tip: Ensure the banana bread cools completely before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
Customization: You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
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