Make the Best Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Make the Best Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Introduction
Are you ready to indulge in a moist and flavorful banana bread cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting? Look no further! This recipe will take your love for banana bread to a whole new level. Whether you have overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter or you simply crave a delicious homemade treat, this banana bread cake is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making this delightful dessert, share expert tips for success, offer variations and substitutions, and provide serving suggestions. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate banana bread cake experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this banana bread cake recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions ensure a stress-free baking experience. Secondly, this cake is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the addition of ripe bananas. Each bite will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more. Lastly, the cream cheese frosting takes this cake to a whole new level. Its creamy and tangy flavor perfectly complements the sweetness of the banana bread, creating a heavenly combination.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the Greek yogurt, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for approximately 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
11. Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
12. Slice and serve the banana bread cake, and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
– Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and texture.
– Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the banana mixture.
– Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
– To ensure the cream cheese frosting is smooth and creamy, make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened, but not melted.
– If desired, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts to the top of the cake for extra flavor and texture.
Variations and Substitutions
– For a healthier option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
– Feel free to add a cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor.
– If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can substitute it with a simple vanilla glaze or dust the cake with powdered sugar.
– For a vegan version of this cake, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread cake is absolutely delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with a few extra touches:
– Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
– Pair a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
– Enjoy a slice of cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze this banana bread cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them before mashing and use them as you would with fresh bananas.
Q: How long will this cake stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I make cupcakes instead of a loaf cake?
A: Absolutely! Simply divide the batter evenly among lined cupcake tins and adjust the baking time to approximately 18-20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the perfect recipe for making the best banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting, it’s time to put your baking skills to the test. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy the moist and flavorful banana bread cake, topped with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us and let us know how much you loved this delightful dessert!
Make the Best Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in a moist and flavorful banana bread cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This delightful dessert is easy to make, incredibly moist, and offers a heavenly combination of flavors. Perfect for any occasion or as a sweet homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well.
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to banana mixture, mixing just until combined.
-
Fold in Greek yogurt until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 55-60 minutes.
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Remove cake from the oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
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Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
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Slice and serve the banana bread cake. Enjoy!