This delightful Banana Bread Cake combines the warm, comforting flavors of classic banana bread with a luxurious, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weekend brunch, a birthday celebration, or a cozy dessert after dinner. Here’s an expanded recipe that provides more detail and tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly!
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature for easier mixing)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 2 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract for best flavor)
- ½ cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat for creaminess)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (also at room temperature)
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference; sifted for a smoother texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (again, pure extract is recommended)
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, to achieve a smoother consistency)
Directions:
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air for a lighter texture.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and gradually add the mashed bananas, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the banana mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
- Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This step is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Then increase the speed and beat until fluffy and well-blended.
- Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick for your liking, add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top using an offset spatula for an even finish.
- For an added touch, you can garnish with chopped walnuts, pecans, or a light dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.
Enjoy!
This Banana Bread Cake, with its moist texture and rich cream cheese frosting, is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, and enjoy the comforting flavors with every bite! 🍌🍰