BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Introduction

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate indulgence for any occasion, combining the rich, moist texture of banana cake with the smooth, tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. The soft, fragrant cake is packed with ripe bananas that provide natural sweetness and a tender crumb, while the creamy frosting offers the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. Every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that feels comforting and luxurious at the same time.

This cake holds a special memory for me. I first made it during a spring gathering with friends, and it quickly became a crowd favorite. The aroma of bananas baking in the oven fills the air, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge. The cream cheese frosting, with its silky texture and slight tang, complements the cake beautifully, making it the perfect topping for this already wonderful dessert.

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for celebrations, casual get-togethers, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. It’s fantastic on its own, but when served chilled, it brings out the flavors even more, making it an ideal dessert to prepare ahead of time. If you’re looking for a cake that’s guaranteed to impress, this banana cake is a must-try—it’s the kind of dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Perfect for:

Birthdays and special occasions
Family gatherings and potlucks
Banana lovers
Dessert lovers who enjoy a balance of sweetness and tang
Casual yet impressive baked goods

Why You’ll Love This BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Here’s why Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will become your go-to dessert:

Perfectly Moist and Fluffy: The bananas help keep the cake moist, while the butter and sour cream ensure it remains soft and tender.
Creamy, Tangy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting offers a tangy contrast to the sweet banana cake, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Easy to Make: Despite its rich taste and impressive appearance, this cake is simple to prepare with ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or other fruits to the cake for a personalized touch.
Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special celebration, this cake will impress everyone at the table.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Frosting Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12-16 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

For the Banana Cake:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
½ cup buttermilk or whole milk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal for baking, as they’re naturally sweeter and provide a richer flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used to give the cake structure and provide the perfect texture.
Butter and Sugar: These ingredients create a rich, sweet batter that’s key to the cake’s flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture to the cake while giving it a light, fluffy texture.
Buttermilk or Milk: Provides the perfect balance of moisture and acidity, helping to activate the baking soda and give the cake its soft, tender crumb.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy frosting adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the banana cake, enhancing its overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Prepare the Banana Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. Set aside.
Mash the Bananas: Peel the bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 ½ cups of mashed bananas. Set aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by half of the sour cream and milk. Mix until combined, then repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and milk.
Add the Mashed Bananas: Stir the mashed bananas into the batter until fully incorporated.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well between each addition. Continue to beat until smooth and fluffy.
Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat for another minute.
Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.

Assemble the Cake:

Frost the First Layer: Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top, pressing down gently to secure it. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Decorate (Optional): If desired, decorate the top of the cake with sliced bananas, chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Serve BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a versatile dessert that can be served in several ways to enhance the overall experience:

Family-Style: Serve the cake directly from the cake stand or plate for a casual, communal dessert experience.
Individual Slices: Slice the cake into individual portions and serve on small dessert plates for a more refined presentation.
With a Side of Ice Cream: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent treat.
As a Layered Cake: This cake can also be made into a three-layer cake by dividing the batter evenly into three pans, then layering the frosting between each layer for extra decadence.

Additional Tips for BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Use Overripe Bananas: For the best flavor, make sure the bananas are very ripe with brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container to maintain its moisture.
Frosting Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest to the frosting for a unique twist.
Frozen Cake: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost as usual.
Mix-ins: Feel free to add 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations for BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Chocolate Banana Cake: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist on this classic banana cake.
Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting: Replace the cream cheese frosting with Nutella frosting for a chocolate-hazelnut flavor that pairs wonderfully with bananas.
Vegan Banana Cake: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs, and use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) to make this recipe vegan.
Banana Cake with Caramel Frosting: Use a rich caramel frosting instead of cream cheese frosting for a sweeter, more decadent dessert.
Banana Coconut Cake: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.

Freezing and Storage for BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Freezing: This cake freezes well, either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Here are a few tools that will help you prepare this cake with ease:

Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar and beating the frosting much easier.
Cake Pans: Two 9-inch round cake pans are ideal for this recipe.
Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows the cake to cool evenly, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Spatula: A spatula will help you evenly spread frosting on the cake layers.
Cake Stand or Serving Plate: A cake stand elevates the cake, giving it a beautiful presentation.

FAQ Section for BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Can I use frozen bananas for the cake?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.
How do I make the cake fluffier?
Be sure to measure your flour accurately and not pack it into the measuring cup. You can also add an extra ½ teaspoon of baking powder to make the cake fluffier.
Can I make this cake without frosting?
Yes, you can enjoy the banana cake on its own, or with a dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

Conclusion for BANANA CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a dessert that brings together the warmth of ripe bananas and the richness of velvety cream cheese, resulting in a perfectly balanced treat. The cake itself is moist and flavorful, with the natural sweetness of the bananas taking center stage, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast that enhances each bite.

What makes this cake exceptional is its ability to suit a variety of occasions, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations. The comforting, familiar flavors are guaranteed to satisfy both young and old, making it a crowd-pleaser no matter the setting.

Whether served as a slice with a cup of coffee or as a centerpiece for a festive occasion, Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. I can’t wait for you to try it! Be sure to share your delightful creations and tag me—I love seeing your baking adventures! Enjoy every moment of indulgence!