Quick Description
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a decadent dessert that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Moist, fluffy, and topped with fresh banana slices and crushed nuts, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion!
Servings & Timing
- Serves: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (if needed to adjust consistency)
For Garnish:
- Sliced bananas
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch square pan or round cake pan. -
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined. -
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting. -
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. -
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with sliced bananas and chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
(Approximate values for one slice)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
Benefits
- Moist & Flavorful: The ripe bananas create a naturally sweet and moist cake.
- Tangy & Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Customizable: Add walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This cake is a great choice for birthdays, parties, or anytime you want a delicious homemade dessert.
Additional Notes
- For a Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For extra indulgence, fold in chocolate chips to the batter.
- Make Mini Cakes: Use smaller pans or muffin tins for individual-sized servings.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: No
- Low-Carb: No
- Gluten-Free Option: No
- Dairy-Free Option: Yes (with substitutions)
Brief Introduction
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect blend of moist banana cake topped with rich, creamy frosting. The bananas add natural sweetness, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy finish. Simple and delicious, it’s a cake everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Mix the dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, then add the bananas and buttermilk.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Make the Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar to make the frosting.
- Frost & Garnish: Spread the frosting on the cooled cake and garnish with bananas and nuts.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Bananas: The key ingredient for moistness and natural sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and tang to the frosting.
- Buttermilk: Helps make the cake tender; you can substitute with regular milk if needed.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Chocolate Version: Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate banana cake.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts or use crushed graham crackers as a topping.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: For extra creaminess, serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze slices of cake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with buttercream or whipped cream for a different flavor. -
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, the cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. -
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Optional Personal Story
I created this Banana Cake because I wanted to turn my love for bananas into a delicious dessert. The combination of soft cake, cream cheese frosting, and bananas is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s been a family favorite for years!
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Try this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for your next celebration or as a sweet treat for yourself. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make!
