Introduction
Who doesn’t love a slice of moist, flavorful banana cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting? It’s one of those desserts that brings back childhood memories and comfort with every bite. This cake is not just about its delightful taste but also about the nostalgia and warmth it evokes. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a weekend treat, banana cake with cream cheese frosting is a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
Imagine this: you walk into a kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of ripe banana and the creamy, tangy scent of freshly made frosting. It’s an invitation to indulge, a promise of satisfaction in each slice. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. Made with ripe bananas, it’s an excellent way to use up those spotty bananas sitting on your counter. Because bananas are naturally sweet, you can use less sugar, which makes this a somewhat healthier alternative without compromising taste.
Now, let’s talk about that frosting. Cream cheese filling is the perfect match for banana cake. Its tanginess balances the sweetness of the bananas, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Plus, the creamy texture of the frosting complements the dense, moist cake, making each bite a delightful experience.
So, regardless of your level of skill or inexperience, this banana cake with cream cheese frosting is a recipe you’ll want to try. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and the result is always impressive. Ready to bake this delicious treat? Let’s dive into how you can enjoy it in various ways.
Enjoyment Suggestions
Pairing Ideas
Banana cake with cream cheese icing is highly flexible and can be paired with various drinks and side foods to improve its flavor:
- Coffee or Tea: Perfect complements for the richness of the cake and the tanginess of the icing are a hot cup of coffee or strong black tea. The taste of the coffee or tea is balanced by their bitterness, thereby producing a wonderful sensation.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving a slice of banana cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to another level. The cold, creamy ice cream pairs nicely with the moist, fluffy cake, giving a fantastic dessert experience.
- Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, add a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity that pairs wonderfully with the cake’s sweetness and the frosting’s creaminess.
Serving Occasions
This cake is perfect for various occasions, making it a go-to recipe for many events:
- Birthdays: Swap out the traditional birthday cake for this banana cake with cream cheese frosting. It’s unique, delicious, and sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
- Family Gatherings: Bring this cake to a family reunion or holiday dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great conversation starter as people reminisce about their own banana cake memories.
- Casual Get-Togethers: Whether it’s a weekend brunch with friends or an afternoon tea party, this cake is an ideal choice. It’s easy to slice and serve, and its flavors are universally loved.
Complementary Dishes and Beverages
- Nutty Crunch: For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the filling. The nuts not only give the cake more richness, but they also make it taste better overall.
- Citrus Twist: Add some orange or lemon zest on the side. The lemon notes are a nice change from the sweet cake and rich filling.
- Smoothies: Pair the cake with a banana smoothie for a fun twist. It’s a double banana treat that’s perfect for those who love this tropical fruit.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Make sure to let them thaw all the way and drain off any extra water before mashing them for the batter.
2. How should I store the banana cake? You can keep the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days if you put it in a container that blocks air. Cake (without filling) can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Absolutely! A gluten-free flour mix can be used instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure that the baking powder and soda don’t have any gluten in them.
4. What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting? You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese if you need a lactose-free option. Both will provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
5. Can I add mix-ins to the batter? Yes, you can add mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
PrintBanana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Author: Amelia Chef
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this moist and fluffy banana cake, topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful dessert brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy goodness of cream cheese. Whether for a family gathering or a special celebration, this banana cake is sure to be a hit. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream (if using), and beat until light and fluffy.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Notes
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and texture.
- The buttermilk in the cake helps keep it moist and tender.
- For a fun twist, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana cake, cream cheese frosting, moist banana cake recipe, easy banana cake, best banana cake, banana dessert, baking recipes