Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting involves more than baking; it’s an act of love, a sweet gesture of turning those spotty bananas sitting on your counter into something spectacular.

How to make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious dessert that combines the dense, moist texture of banana bread with the soft, fluffy richness of cake. It’s basically like banana bread dressed up for a party — sweet, tender, and topped with a luscious layer of tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk at room temperature

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust based on desired sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Banana slices

Instructions

Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour or line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. This helps the cake release easily after baking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Alternately, add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the banana mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, adjusting the sugar as needed for taste and consistency.

Assembly:

1. Place the completely cooled banana bread cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top of the cake. For a more traditional cake presentation, you can also spread it along the sides.
3. Garnish with chopped nuts or banana slices if you like.

Tips

• Ensure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Bring all your ingredients to room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
• Don’t overmix the cake batter once the flour is added; overmixing can result in a denser, rubbery texture.
• If you want an extra hit of banana flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of banana liqueur to the batter.
• The cake is done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• For a twist, stir 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• The cream cheese frosting can be customized to your liking; add more powdered sugar for a stiffer consistency or less for a softer spread.

What to serve with

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert, but it can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance the dining experience or balance the meal.

Beverages

• Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavor of coffee pairs well with the sweetness of the cake, and its warmth complements the softness of the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
• Tea: A light herbal or fruit tea can be refreshing and cleanse the palate between bites. Black tea is also a good option for those who prefer a stronger flavor pairing.
• Milk: Classic and comforting, a glass of milk is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a milder beverage with their dessert.
• Dessert Wines: For a more sophisticated pairing, dessert wines like a Sauternes or a sweet Riesling could match the sweetness of the cake.

Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries can add a tart contrast to the sweet frosting and complement the flavors of the banana.
• Mixed Berry Salad: A small side of mixed berry salad with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can offer a light and refreshing side.
• Citrus Segments: Oranges or grapefruit segments can provide a bright and acidic contrast to the rich cream cheese frosting.

Savory Options

• Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses, especially milder ones, can balance the sweetness of the cake and create a diverse flavor palette for brunch or lunch settings.
• Nut Mix: A small bowl of assorted unsalted or lightly salted nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, could be a crunchy and savory counterpoint.

Ice Cream and Whipped Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream can melt alongside the cake, adding a creamy texture and cooling effect.
• Whipped Cream: Though the cake already has frosting, a dollop of whipped cream could add a light and airy touch, appealing to those who prefer less sweetness.

Ingredients Substitutes

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a versatile dessert that can be tweaked according to dietary preferences or just based on what you have available in your pantry.

Banana Bread Cake Ingredients Substitutes

Bananas:

• Applesauce can replace bananas in a recipe to maintain moisture, though the flavor will be different.
• Pumpkin Puree also works as a replacement, adding a different but pleasant flavor and similar texture.

Flour:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour mixes can be used instead of regular flour for those with gluten intolerance.
• Whole Wheat Flour can replace all-purpose flour for a healthier option, though it’s denser (use less or mix with all-purpose flour).

Sugar:

• Honey or Maple Syrup can be used to sweeten the cake naturally. Use ¾ cup of liquid sweetener for every 1 cup of sugar, and reduce other liquids in the recipe.
• Coconut Sugar is another good alternative and has a lower glycemic index.

Butter:

• Coconut Oil or Apple Sauce can be used as a healthier fat option. Use an equal amount.
• Mashed Avocado can also work as a substitute for butter, providing healthy fats.

Eggs:

• Flaxseed Meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water equals one egg) is a common vegan substitute.
• Applesauce or Mashed Banana can also replace eggs in baking; use ¼ cup per egg.

Milk (if used):

• Any Non-Dairy Milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can substitute for cow’s milk on a 1:1 basis.

Cream Cheese Frosting Substitutes

Cream Cheese:

• Vegan Cream Cheese is a direct substitute for those avoiding dairy.
• Mascarpone Cheese can be used for a richer, creamier texture.

Butter:

• Vegan Butter works well for vegan diets.
• Margarine can be a substitute, but it’s less healthy.

Powdered Sugar:

• Monk Fruit Sweetener (powdered) can replace powdered sugar for a lower-calorie option. Adjust to taste as it is sweeter than sugar.
• Coconut Sugar (finely blended) makes a less refined substitute.

Vanilla Extract:

• Almond Extract can be used for a different flavor profile.
• Maple Syrup provides sweetness with an added flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

When deciding what to serve with your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider the occasion, the preferences of your guests, and how filling your prior courses have been.

More Cake Recipes:

• Passover Almond Cake Recipe