Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something utterly comforting about banana bread that transforms into an irresistible cake. Particularly with the addition of cream cheese frosting, this Banana Bread Cake brings a delightful twist to a beloved classic. It’s a luscious concoction where moist banana flavor meets creamy sweetness, making it the perfect treat for brunches, celebrations, or just because. This cake is not just a dessert, but a cozy reminder of home-baked goodness.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

What makes this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting so special? Firstly, it’s the unrivaled moistness that comes from using ripe bananas. Not to mention, the addition of both granulated and brown sugars creates a perfect balance of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese frosting. This dessert is versatile, easily serving as a delightful afternoon snack or the star of your next gathering.

“This cake was a hit at our family gathering! Everyone loved its fluffy texture and the cream cheese frosting was simply divine.”

Make this recipe when you have overripe bananas that need using up, or any time you crave a sweet treat that’s comforting yet sophisticated. The combination of flavors and textures makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or a festive gathering.

Preparing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ready to bake? Here’s a brief overview of how this beautiful cake comes together. It starts with preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans. As you mix your dry ingredients, mash those overripe bananas that have been sitting on your counter, and whip up a creamy batter. Once baked to perfection, the cake layers will be frosted generously with an indulgent cream cheese frosting that turns every slice into a work of art.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and the steps, ensuring you know exactly how to create this masterpiece.

What You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients is key to a smooth baking experience. For this delectable cake, you will need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (1½ sticks)
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4-5 very ripe bananas)
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 12 oz cream cheese, softened (1½ blocks, don’t even think about low-fat)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (1½ sticks)
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Chopped walnuts or pecans for topping
• Banana chips for garnish
• Extra cinnamon for dusting
• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Offset spatula (for frosting like a pro)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to making your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Step 1: The Prep Work Nobody Likes But Everyone Needs
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Then grease the parchment, because we’re not playing games with cakes sticking to pans. Set them aside and feel accomplished that you did the boring part first.

Step 2: The Dry Team
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is your dry mixture. Set it aside and try not to think about how it looks like fancy sand.

Step 3: The Banana Mash
Take your overripe bananas—the ones you’ve been ignoring—and mash them in a bowl. You want about 2 cups of mashed bananas. Some lumps are fine; this isn’t baby food. The riper the bananas, the more intense the flavor.

Step 4: The Creaming Situation
In a large bowl or your stand mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes, and your arm will understand why stand mixers were invented.

Step 5: The Wet Additions
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract. Add your mashed bananas and mix until just combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little curdled; that’s normal.

Step 6: The Great Combination
Now we’re alternating. Add about a third of your dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Then add half the buttermilk mixture. Mix, then add the next third of dry ingredients, followed by the remaining buttermilk. Finally, mix in the last third of dry ingredients.

Step 7: Bake These Beauties
Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: The Frosting That Makes Everything Better
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides; there’s always butter hiding there. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low to avoid a sugar cloud.

Step 9: The Assembly That Makes It Official
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about 1 cup of frosting on top, going all the way to the edges. Place the second layer on top. Now frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.

Step 10: The Finishing Touches
Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if you’re using them. Add some banana chips for that “I’m a professional” look. Dust with cinnamon if you want or leave it plain and beautiful. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set before slicing.

Step 11: The Payoff
Cut yourself a generous slice. Enjoy the moist and tender cake paired with the tangy cream cheese frosting. This is what happens when banana bread grows up and learns to party.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This Banana Bread Cake can stand as the centerpiece to any dessert table. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon break. If you want to elevate it even more, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep any leftovers fresh, store your Banana Bread Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 5-7 days. If you decide to freeze it, wrap each layer in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored this way for up to three months.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
• If you prefer, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
• For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter.

Creative Twists to Try

1. Chocolate Banana Bread Cake: Fold in cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
2. Nut Variation: Add different nuts like pecans or macadamia nuts for a unique crunch.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture.

How long can I store this cake?
You can store the cake in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or freeze it for up to three months.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based cream cheese for the frosting.

Now that you’re equipped with everything you need, it’s time to indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Don’t forget to share your creation and let others experience this delightful recipe!

For more inspiration, check out these quick recipes: Protein Muffins and Smash Cake Ideas.

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