Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a decadent twist on the classic banana bread. This moist, flavorful cake is made with ripe bananas that bring out the natural sweetness, while the addition of cream cheese frosting takes it to a whole new level of indulgence. The rich and tangy frosting perfectly complements the soft, fluffy texture of the banana bread cake, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and luxurious. Whether you’re looking for a treat for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, this banana bread cake is the answer. The cake is easy to make, and the cream cheese frosting adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise simple recipe. With the option to add walnuts, you can enjoy a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft, tender cake. This dessert will quickly become a family favorite and is sure to impress anyone who gets a taste of its perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Yet Delicious

With just a few ingredients, this banana bread cake is a perfect mix of simplicity and flavor, making it easy for both beginners and seasoned bakers to prepare.

2. Moist and Flavorful

The ripe bananas create a moist, tender cake that’s packed with flavor, while the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy sweetness.

3. Quick to Make

In under an hour, you can have a homemade banana bread cake fresh from the oven, making it a perfect option for a quick treat or last-minute dessert.

4. Customizable

Feel free to add extras like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to make the cake your own and experiment with different variations.

5. Crowd-Pleasing

The combination of banana bread and cream cheese frosting is irresistible and loved by both kids and adults, making it perfect for gatherings or family meals.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Cake:

• Ripe bananas, mashed
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips

For a chocolatey twist, fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the banana bread batter before baking.

Use Different Nuts

If you love nuts, you can swap walnuts with pecans or almonds to change the texture and flavor of the cake.

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that enhances the richness of the banana bread.

Make It Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with plant-based butter, use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting, and ensure the powdered sugar is free of cornstarch if needed.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in Walnuts (Optional)

If using, fold in the chopped walnuts to add a bit of texture to the cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 6: Let the Cake Cool

Allow the banana bread cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Overripe bananas work best.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Let the Cake Cool Completely: Allow the banana bread cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Use Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are softened before making the frosting for a smooth consistency.
• Test for Doneness: Test the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s ready. If it comes out with batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.

How to Serve

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a more indulgent dessert, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The cake is also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover banana bread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a hot climate, it’s better to store it in the refrigerator.

Freezing

You can freeze the banana bread cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or place the entire loaf in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to warm it up.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without walnuts?

Yes, the walnuts are optional. Feel free to leave them out or substitute with another nut of your choice.

2. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas can be used as long as they are thawed and mashed before adding them to the batter.

3. Can I make this recipe in a different pan size?

You can use a different size pan, but the baking time may vary. Check the cake for doneness with a toothpick if you’re using a different pan.

4. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese frosting or add a little more cream cheese to balance the sweetness.

5. Can I make this cake without frosting?

Absolutely! The banana bread cake is delicious on its own, or you can sprinkle it with powdered sugar instead of frosting.

6. How long does this cake keep?

The cake will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

7. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, healthier version of the cake. You may need to adjust the moisture slightly.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?

Yes! Chocolate chips would make a great addition to the batter for a more indulgent treat.

9. Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free version.

10. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for banana lovers. Its moist texture and rich flavor, topped with a creamy frosting, make it a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event, enjoying a cozy afternoon, or looking for a sweet gift to share, this cake is sure to impress. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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