There’s something magical about the smell of banana bread wafting through the house—it instantly brings back cozy memories of baking with my grandma. She always said the secret ingredient was love, but I think a hefty dose of cream cheese frosting doesn’t hurt either! This banana bread cake is not just any dessert; it’s a delightful twist on the classic that transforms those overripe bananas into something truly special. Trust me, once you taste that moist banana cake topped with smooth, creamy frosting, you’ll be hooked! Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, this recipe is perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! So grab your apron, and let’s get baking! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better for sweetness and flavor!)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (make sure it’s softened for easy mixing)
- 1 cup sugar (this adds the perfect sweetness to balance the bananas)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature for better incorporation)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because who doesn’t love a hint of vanilla?)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for that tender, cake-like texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (to give it that lovely rise)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (a pinch to enhance all the flavors)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (this is the star of the frosting!)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for a touch of sweetness in the frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting too, it ties everything together!)
How to Prepare Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven going! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) while you gather your ingredients. I like to use a 9-inch round cake pan for this recipe, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure to grease it well with a bit of butter or cooking spray—this will help our lovely cake release easily later on. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that deliciousness!
Mixing the Batter
Now, let’s get to the fun part—mixing! Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a bowl until they’re nice and smooth. Honestly, the smell is just divine! In a separate bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that perfect texture! Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined. Next, gently fold in the mashed bananas, making sure they’re well incorporated. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. You don’t want to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay!
Baking the Cake
Now, pour that luscious batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—such a satisfying moment! Once it’s baked to perfection, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, let’s whip up that creamy frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s smooth and velvety. Add in that extra splash of vanilla extract and mix until everything is well blended. You want it to be spreadable but still hold its shape—perfect for topping our cake!
Frosting the Cake
Once your cake has cooled completely (this is crucial, or the frosting will melt!), it’s time to frost! Spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top with a spatula, letting it cascade a bit over the sides for that homemade charm. You can even get fancy with your frosting technique if you’re feeling adventurous! And there you have it—your banana bread cake is ready to impress! Enjoy every bite of this banana bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip it up in just about an hour!
- Delightfully moist and flavorful banana cake that’s hard to resist.
- Rich cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!
- Customizable with nuts or chocolate chips for extra fun!
Tips for Success with Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
To make the best banana bread cake, always use overripe bananas—they’re sweeter and mash easier! If you can, let your butter sit out until it’s really soft; this helps create that fluffy texture we love. Don’t rush the mixing; be gentle when combining the dry and wet ingredients to avoid toughening the cake. Keep an eye on your baking time; ovens can vary, so check a few minutes early just to be safe. And remember, the cake needs to cool completely before frosting—patience is key for that perfect finish!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for this banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For the most accurate information, I recommend calculating the nutrition based on your exact ingredients. Enjoy this delicious treat while being mindful of your dietary needs!
FAQ about Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They’ll be super soft and sweet, making your banana bread cake even more delicious! Just a little tip: the riper the banana, the better the flavor!
How should I store leftovers?
To store any leftover banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting, simply cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it! Just slice it up, wrap each piece tightly, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying it again!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Oh yes, you can definitely add nuts or chocolate chips! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor that complements the banana perfectly. If you’re a chocolate lover, toss in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise! Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate your dessert experience, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy textures pair beautifully! You could also enjoy it with a side of fresh berries for a burst of fruity freshness. And for a little extra indulgence, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top. Trust me, these additions will take your cake to the next level of yumminess!
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Blissful Treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious banana bread cake topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the bananas in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Combine the mashed bananas with the wet mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled cake.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can add nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana bread cake, cream cheese frosting, dessert, baking