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 just a cozy afternoon snack. Its moist texture and rich frosting make it stand out, ensuring every bite is a delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and cream cheese frosting creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a celebration or just a weekend treat, this cake fits perfectly into any scenario.
- Moist and Tender: This cake’s texture is incredibly moist, making each slice melt in your mouth.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Enjoy this cake for days! It’s just as delicious the next day.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather all essential tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugar together for a fluffy texture.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for even baking and easy serving of your cake.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients gently without deflating the batter.
Ingredients
For the 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 your 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time while mixing. Stir in vanilla extract until evenly combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Start with flour, alternate with buttermilk, finishing with flour. Gently fold in the mashed bananas until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract while mixing until creamy.
Step 7: Frost Your Cake
Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of your banana cake using a spatula. Enjoy every delicious slice!
How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any gathering, making it a delightful centerpiece. Here are some creative serving ideas to enhance your dessert experience.
With Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and color.
- Banana Chips: For a crunchy twist, serve banana chips on the side.
- Berries Medley: A mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries complements the cake’s sweetness.
As Individual Portions
- Cupcake Style: Bake the batter in cupcake liners for easy serving.
- Mini Cakes: Use small cake pans to create individual mini cakes topped with frosting.
Accompanied by Beverages
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweet flavors of banana cake.
- Tea: Herbal or chai tea adds a soothing contrast to the rich frosting.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a creamy element that balances the cake.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice enhances its indulgence.
How to Perfect Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Perfecting your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can make all the difference. Here are some tips to ensure your cake is always a hit.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Chill Your Frosting: If it’s too soft, chilling the cream cheese frosting can help it set nicely on the cake.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your Banana Cake can create a well-rounded dessert table. Here are some delicious options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream adds an airy touch that complements the dense cake beautifully.
- Chocolate Sauce: Rich chocolate sauce offers a decadent contrast to the banana flavors.
- Nuts Mix: A blend of toasted nuts adds crunch and pairs well with the creaminess of the frosting.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a healthy counterpoint.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that enhance dessert flavors.
- Chilled Lemonade: Refreshing lemonade cleanses the palate after each sweet bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
- Overripe bananas: Using bananas that are too ripe can make your cake overly mushy. Aim for ripe but still firm bananas for the best texture.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Under-mixing the batter: Not mixing enough can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined, but avoid overmixing, which can also affect texture.
- Skipping the cooling time: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Let your cake cool completely before applying the cream cheese frosting.
- Improper measuring of ingredients: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake’s structure. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- 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 cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, we’ve got answers! Here are some common queries.
Can I substitute other frostings?
Yes, you can use whipped cream or chocolate frosting instead of cream cheese frosting. Each option offers a unique flavor profile while complementing the banana cake.
How do I make my Banana Cake more moist?
To enhance moisture, consider adding an extra banana or using sour cream instead of buttermilk. Both will boost the cake’s moisture content.
Can I add nuts to my Banana Cake?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are great additions that provide crunch and flavor contrast to the soft banana cake.
How long does Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting last at room temperature?
At room temperature, this cake lasts about 2 days if covered. Make sure it’s stored away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the sweetness level. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s perfect for any occasion!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of our Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist and flavorful cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, from birthdays to cozy afternoons at home. Each bite features the sweet richness of ripe bananas paired with a creamy, tangy frosting that elevates this classic dessert. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a show-stopping cake that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a personal treat, this banana cake is destined to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Fold in mashed bananas.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.
- Frost the cooled cake generously.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
