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If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm, comforting hug, then you absolutely have to try this Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s the perfect fusion of classic banana bread richness and the tender crumb of a cake, all crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this cake delivers every time with its incredible flavor and moist texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this cake a superstar. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the ripeness of the bananas contributing natural sweetness and moisture or the cinnamon adding a warm spice note that dances through every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the crumb tender and soft.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cake a perfect rise and light texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the bananas beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Use softened butter for rich flavor and a smooth batter.
- Granulated and brown sugar: The combo brings depth and caramel notes to the cake.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the cake structure.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall taste with its sweet aroma.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The star ingredient, packed with natural sweetness and moisture.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and keeps the cake extra moist and tender.
- Cream cheese: The base for that delightfully creamy frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting perfectly.
- Milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to spreadability delight.
How to Make Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you get the batter ready. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to guarantee your cake releases easily after baking, preserving that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Pour your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon into a bowl and whisk them together. This not only combines them evenly but also distributes the rising agents so your cake lifts beautifully and bakes evenly throughout.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with both the granulated and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air which helps with the cake’s tender texture. Then add your eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, homogenous batter. Stir in vanilla extract for that irresistible fragrance.
Step 4: Add Moist Ingredients
Mix in your mashed bananas and sour cream until everything looks silky and perfectly combined — this is where the cake’s signature moistness and banana flavor really start to shine.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix here; a few small lumps are just fine. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want this to stay soft and tender.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start smelling incredible — that’s your cue that something special is happening inside the oven.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, whip together the cream cheese and softened butter until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a tablespoon or two of milk until you achieve a creamy frosting you’ll want to spread generously.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Once your cake has cooled completely, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting all over the top. Slice into squares and prepare for delighted smiles with each bite — this is classic comfort at its finest.
How to Serve Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation, consider garnishing your cake with thin banana slices, chopped walnuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. These little touches add a bit of crunch and color contrast that makes every serving feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs brilliantly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A hot cup of coffee or tea is the perfect companion too, enhancing the cozy, nostalgic vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve slices as mini layered cakes by cutting the cake horizontally and adding frosting between layers. Or turn leftovers into cake truffles by crumbling the cake and mixing it with frosting before rolling into bite-sized spheres, perfect for sharing or snacking on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your banana bread cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer keeping, refrigeration is best—it’ll last about 4 to 5 days while maintaining its moist texture.
Freezing
Want to keep this deliciousness for a later date? Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before popping it in the freezer. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and then come back hungry.
Reheating
To warm a slice, gently microwave it for 15-20 seconds or place it in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. A warm slice with frosting that’s just slightly softened is simply irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will be. Don’t toss those brown-spotted beauties—they’re your secret weapon.
Is it okay to substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works wonderfully to add moisture and tanginess, and it’s a great lighter option that won’t compromise the cake’s tender crumb.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s wet or sticky, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
With the right gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can! Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the cake’s texture.
What’s the best way to get cream cheese frosting smooth and lump-free?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are completely softened before you start beating. Beat them well until creamy before slowly adding powdered sugar. This will give you that perfect silky frosting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely magical about this Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a beloved treat that feels special but is surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether it’s for a casual afternoon snack or a centerpiece dessert at your next gathering, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. So go ahead, gather those bananas, and bake this slice of happiness—you won’t regret it!
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Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This amazing banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a creamy, tangy frosting, it’s a delightful twist on traditional banana bread that serves perfectly as a cake for gatherings or afternoon treats.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prepare for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside to incorporate the leavening agents evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully blended. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add mashed ripe bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, adjusting to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into servings and enjoy this delicious banana bread cake.
Notes
- For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and healthier option.
- Adjust milk quantity gradually in the frosting to avoid it becoming too runny.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store leftover cake refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
