Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a delightfully moist and flavorful dessert, then this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice for you. Imagine a cake that combines the rich, sweet flavors of ripe bananas with a creamy, tangy frosting that’s sure to make you savor every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this Banana Cake recipe will walk you through each step to make a beautiful and delicious dessert. Let’s dive into the recipe for a cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Introduction
Banana cake has a unique place in dessert culture; it’s a go-to treat for its moist texture, subtle sweetness, and nostalgic appeal. Originating from banana bread, this cake brings out the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and elevates it with a light, fluffy crumb that pairs perfectly with a creamy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is simple yet irresistible, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a treat-yourself kind of day. So, if you love banana-based desserts or crave a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent, this Banana Cake recipe will hit the spot.
Ingredients for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
To make this delightful Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Sliced bananas for garnish
Optional Substitutions:
- Substitute gluten-free flour if needed.
- Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a vegan version.
How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 6-inch round cake pans. This step ensures the cakes won’t stick and will come out of the pans easily.
2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps evenly distribute the baking powder and prevents any lumps in your cake batter.
3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential to create a tender, airy cake crumb.
4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This technique prevents overmixing and helps achieve a smooth batter.
6: Fold in Mashed Bananas
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
7: Divide and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly among the three pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Helpful Tips for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Gently fold ingredients to keep the cake light and airy.
Cooking Tips for the Best Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Banana Cake Cooking Technique: For an ultra-moist banana cake, bake on the middle rack of the oven. This helps prevent overbrowning while ensuring even cooking.
- Best Frosting Hack: For a super smooth frosting, sift the powdered sugar before mixing it with the butter and cream cheese. This helps avoid any lumps and results in a silky-smooth frosting.
Serving Suggestions for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages! Serve a slice with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a special twist, garnish each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This cake is not only delicious but also packs a few key nutrients from the bananas. Bananas are a good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, adding a little nutritional value to your dessert.
Nutritional Info (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 50g
- Proteins: 5g
- Vitamin C: 6% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
Storage and Leftovers for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, slice and individually wrap each piece, then allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the optimal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
- How ripe should the bananas be?
- The bananas should be very ripe, with brown spots on the skin, to bring out the natural sweetness.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and frost them the next day.
- What’s the best way to keep the frosting from melting?
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before applying the frosting. Store the cake in the refrigerator to keep the frosting set.
Related Recipes for Banana Cake Lovers
For more delicious banana-based treats, check out:
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us on this banana cake journey! This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a crowd-pleaser and will surely become a staple in your dessert collection. We’d love to hear how yours turns out—feel free to share your baking adventures and any creative twists you add. Now, go enjoy a slice of this delicious cake, and don’t forget to leave your feedback. Happy baking!
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Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a delightfully moist and flavorful dessert, then this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice for you. Imagine a cake that combines the rich, sweet flavors of ripe bananas with a creamy, tangy frosting that’s sure to make you savor every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this Banana Cake recipe will walk you through each step to make a beautiful and delicious dessert. Let’s dive into the recipe for a cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Sliced bananas for garnish
Optional Substitutions:
- Substitute gluten-free flour if needed.
- Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a vegan version.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 6-inch round cake pans. This step ensures the cakes won’t stick and will come out of the pans easily.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps evenly distribute the baking powder and prevents any lumps in your cake batter.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential to create a tender, airy cake crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This technique prevents overmixing and helps achieve a smooth batter.
Step 6: Fold in Mashed Bananas
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Step 7: Divide and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly among the three pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Gently fold ingredients to keep the cake light and airy.
