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, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Its moist texture combined with the rich cream cheese frosting makes it truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This banana cake comes together quickly and requires simple ingredients.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and creamy frosting creates a heavenly taste experience.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration or an everyday dessert.
- Moist and Tender: The buttermilk ensures the cake remains moist and fluffy.
- Beautiful Presentation: The creamy frosting adds a beautiful finish that impresses guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful banana cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13 inch baking pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy and ensures a light texture in your cake.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; they ensure consistent results every time.
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 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 a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, beat together:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
Mix until light and fluffy. Add in:
2 large eggs (one at a time)
Then stir in:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture and:
1/2 cup buttermilk
Alternate between adding flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Gently fold in:
Mashed bananas
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
To prepare the frosting, beat together until smooth:
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Gradually add:
3 cups powdered sugar
And mix in:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat until creamy.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Once your banana cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Enjoy every bite of this delicious banana cake with cream cheese frosting!
How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving banana cake with cream cheese frosting is a delightful experience that can be tailored to various occasions. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a fancy celebration, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dessert presentation.
For a Cozy Family Gathering
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into generous squares and serve on simple plates for an inviting family feel.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Garnish each slice with slices of fresh banana or berries for added color and flavor.
For a Festive Celebration
- Decorative Platter: Arrange cake slices on a decorative platter. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast to the cake’s texture.
For Afternoon Tea
- Mini Portions: Cut the cake into small squares or rectangles suitable for tea time. This makes it easy to enjoy while sipping tea.
- Tea Pairings: Serve with a variety of teas, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, that complement the sweetness of the cake.
For Potlucks
- Individual Servings: Place each slice in cupcake liners for easy transport and serving at potluck events.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Drizzle extra cream cheese frosting on top of each individual slice for added appeal.
How to Perfect Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
To elevate your banana cake with cream cheese frosting, consider these helpful tips that ensure delicious results every time.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out clean when done.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with banana cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement its rich flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can provide freshness and balance out the sweetness of the cake.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture that pairs perfectly with the dense cake.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the top adds decadence and contrasts nicely with the banana flavor.
- Caramel Sauce: A warm caramel drizzle enhances sweetness and provides a lovely visual appeal.
- Chai Spiced Nuts: A bowl of chai spiced nuts offers crunchiness and spice that offsets the soft texture of the cake.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats offer another layer of flavor while keeping in line with tropical notes from bananas.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae station where guests can add scoops of ice cream alongside their banana cake slices.
- Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee complements desserts beautifully, enhancing their flavors while providing warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a 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.
- Using Unripe Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. Always choose bananas that are well-spotted for the best flavor.
- Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing. Let butter, eggs, and cream cheese come to room temperature before using them.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Improper measurements can ruin your cake’s texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt. Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the cream cheese frosting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag; it freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place the slice in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about our Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.
Can I use different types of flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may change the texture slightly.
How do I make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour for this recipe.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftover pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
How long does this banana cake last?
When stored properly, it stays fresh in the fridge for about five days and up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making it uniquely yours. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a cozy treat at home!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with velvety cream cheese icing. This moist and tender cake is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, birthday celebration, or just a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. The easy-to-follow recipe ensures that even novice bakers can create this delicious masterpiece. With its beautiful presentation and exquisite taste, your guests will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 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, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Fold in mashed bananas.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Once cooled, frost the cake generously with cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (100g)
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
