Name: Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (mashed); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 large eggs; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar

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This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. It brings together the rich flavors of ripe bananas and the creamy goodness of cream cheese frosting, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a sweet treat for dessert or a comforting slice during tea time, this cake will impress everyone with its moist texture and luscious topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor – The combination of ripe bananas and cream cheese creates a unique taste that is both comforting and indulgent.
Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is great even for beginner bakers.
Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat; it’s delicious any time of day!
Perfect for Sharing – This recipe yields 6 generous servings, making it ideal for gatherings or family meals.
Customizable Toppings – Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having the right equipment at hand can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking pan (9×5 inch)
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl – Essential for combining your ingredients evenly; a large bowl allows for easy mixing without spills.
Electric mixer – Helps achieve a smooth batter and creamy frosting quickly; saves time and effort compared to manual mixing.
Baking pan – A 9×5 inch pan is perfect for this cake; it ensures even baking and helps achieve the desired shape.

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 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 Frosting

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

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 280 calories, Carbs: 45g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 12g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 30g

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add in the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy.
Spread over cooled banana bread cake using a spatula.

Enjoy your delicious Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate it to a delightful experience. Whether for a casual gathering or a festive occasion, here are some great serving suggestions.

With Fresh Fruit

Sliced Strawberries – Fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness and color.
Blueberries – These little gems pair wonderfully with the flavors of banana bread.
Sliced Kiwi – The tartness of kiwi complements the creaminess of the frosting.

With a Hot Beverage

Coffee – A warm cup of coffee enhances the cake’s flavors perfectly.
Herbal Tea – Choose a calming herbal tea for a soothing pairing.
Chai Latte – The spices in chai bring out the sweetness in the cake.

For Special Occasions

Layered Dessert – Serve in jars with layers of banana bread and frosting for a stunning presentation.
Birthday Celebration – Make it the centerpiece of any birthday party for an unforgettable treat.

How to Perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can make all the difference. Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience.

Use Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the cake moist and tender.
Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Check Doneness Early – Start checking for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
Cool Before Frosting – Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Banana Bread Cake can create a well-rounded menu. Here are some great options to consider.

Greek Yogurt Parfait – A creamy yogurt parfait adds protein and tanginess.
Mixed Green Salad – A light salad balances out the sweetness of the cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert experience.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad complements the rich flavors of banana bread.
Nutty Granola – Sprinkle granola on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
Chocolate Drizzle – A drizzle of dark chocolate enhances the overall taste profile deliciously.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

Boldly overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light texture.
Boldly using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas won’t provide the sweetness and moisture needed. Use ripe, brown-spotted bananas for the best flavor.
Boldly skimping on cream cheese: A thin layer of cream cheese frosting won’t hold up well. Make sure to use enough cream cheese for a rich topping.
Boldly skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the cake while it’s still warm can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool completely before slicing for neat pieces.
Boldly ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can affect mixing. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth blending.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
If possible, keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that may help you in your baking journey.

What makes Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting so moist?

The combination of ripe bananas and softened butter adds moisture, while the cream cheese frosting enhances richness.

How can I customize my Banana Bread Cake?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize your flavor profile.

Can I make this Banana Bread Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until serving.

What is the best way to serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Serve it chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture; it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delightful but also versatile. It’s perfect for dessert or as a sweet treat during tea time. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients, making it uniquely yours!