Have you ever bitten into a dessert that wrapped you in a warm hug? For me, that treat is hands down a slice of Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Growing up, my grandmother used to whip up this delightful cake on rainy days. The aroma of ripe bananas and rich cream cheese swirling together in her kitchen would call us all in from wherever we were hiding. It wasn’t just about the cake; it was the love and laughter that filled the space. This recipe is special because it stands out from the usual banana bread and cake recipes—it’s incredibly moist and boasts a lush, creamy frosting that makes it unforgettable.
This isn’t just another cake; it’s a memory-maker, a comfort food that brings family and friends together. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a simple family dinner, or just an evening craving, this Banana Cake will impress every time. You’ll learn not only how to make this delightful treat but also the secrets behind its extraordinary flavor and texture. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be back for seconds!
What Are Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Originating from the classic dessert repertoire, Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread. The key to its allure lies in its wonderfully moist texture, thanks to the mashed ripe bananas that create a tender crumb. When baked to golden perfection, the cake is infused with the sweet taste of bananas, complemented by the tangy richness of cream cheese frosting.
What truly makes this cake unique is the balance between its sweetness and the slight tang from the frosting—your taste buds are in for a treat! It’s perfect for celebrations or a cozy afternoon when you just need a little pick-me-up. You’ll want to bake it when your kitchen feels empty and your heart craves sweetness. Unlike other recipes, this one brings a nostalgic warmth that’s hard to replicate. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Unmatched Flavor Experience
The combination of ripe bananas and cream cheese frosting creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. It’s the perfect harmony of sweet and tangy.
2. Better than Store-Bought
I can confidently say that nothing from a bakery compares to this homemade gem. Most store-bought cakes are dry and lack that homemade warmth we crave. Plus, you’ll save money making it at home!
3. Endless Customization Options
Feel free to mix in nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter if that’s your jam. This recipe is versatile and can cater to various palates.
4. Easy to Make
Even if you’re a novice baker, you’ll find this recipe straightforward. You don’t need to be a pro to impress your friends and family with this cake!
5. Budget-Friendly
With everyday ingredients, you can whip up this indulgent cake without breaking the bank. Who says comfort food has to be expensive?
Get ready to indulge without feeling guilty because this recipe is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients
Before we jump into baking, let’s gather these simple, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 Tasse ungesalzene Butter, weich (unsalted butter, softened): Use good quality butter for the best flavor.
- 1 1/4 Tassen Kristallzucker (granulated sugar): This adds the essential sweetness.
- 2 große Eier (large eggs): Ensure they’re at room temperature for better blending.
- 2 Teelöffel Vanilleextrakt (vanilla extract): A splash of pure vanilla elevates the flavor.
- 2 Tassen Weizenmehl (all-purpose flour): Make sure it’s sifted for a fluffier cake.
- 2 1/2 Teelöffel Backpulver (baking powder): This helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1/2 Teelöffel Natron (baking soda): A little bit of this balances the acidity from the bananas.
- 1/4 Teelöffel Salz (salt): Enhances all the flavors.
- 3 reife Bananen, zerdrückt (mashed ripe bananas): Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor.
- 4 Unzen Frischkäse, weich (cream cheese, softened): It should come to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 3 Esslöffel ungesalzene Butter, weich (unsalted butter, softened): Again, quality butter is key.
- 3 Tassen Puderzucker (powdered sugar): This brings the sweetness to the frosting.
- 1 Teelöffel Vanilleextrakt (vanilla extract): To flavor the frosting.
Chef’s Note: Always use ripe bananas; the black spots indicate they’re packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180 Grad Celsius (350°F). Grease a 9×11-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 Tasse ungesalzene Butter and 1 1/4 Tassen Kristallzucker until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be creamy and pale.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 große Eier and 2 Teelöffel Vanilleextrakt one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 Tassen Weizenmehl, 2 1/2 Teelöffel Backpulver, 1/2 Teelöffel Natron, and 1/4 Teelöffel Salz.
- Mix Bananas and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 3 reife Bananen, zerdrückt. Mix gently, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 32-37 Minuten or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost the Cake: For the frosting, beat together 4 Unzen Frischkäse, 3 Esslöffel ungesalzene Butter, 3 Tassen Puderzucker, and 1 Teelöffel Vanilleextrakt until smooth and creamy. Spread generously on the cooled cake.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the smiles that come with each bite!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use the best quality butter and cream cheese for richer taste.
- Storage Recommendations: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Make Ahead: The cake itself can be made a day in advance and frosted just before serving for optimal freshness.
- Troubleshooting: If your cake doesn’t rise, double-check that your baking powder and soda are fresh.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs for better emulsification.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overmixing once you add the flour to prevent a dense cake.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this delightful Banana Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to further elevate your dessert experience. It’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy family gathering. For an extra touch, dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon or serve alongside caramel sauce for drizzling.
Variations & Substitutions
- Mahogar (Chocolate Variation): Add chocolate chips for a delightful spin.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream for a luscious frosting.
- Seasonal Flavors: In fall, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a festive twist!
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 280 calories
- Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, but ensure they’re thoroughly thawed and drained before mashing.
- Why is my cake dense? Overmixing or using cold ingredients may lead to a dense texture.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend that can substitute for all-purpose flour.
- What’s the best way to mash bananas? Use a fork or a potato masher for smooth consistency, but leave a few small lumps for texture.
- How do I know when the cake is done? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
- Can I make the frosting ahead of time? Yes, just keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before spreading.
- Is it possible to double this recipe? Yes, you can double it, but make sure to use larger pans and adjust baking times accordingly.
- Why is my frosting runny? If you added too much cream cheese or liquid, gradually add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
- Can I skip the frosting? Absolutely! This cake is delicious on its own but consider a sprinkle of powdered sugar if you prefer it plain.
- What can I serve with this cake? It pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream for dessert!
Conclusion
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a dessert; it’s a slice of my childhood memories, comfort, and joy. I promise you’ll find it irresistible—not just for its taste but also for the warmth it brings to every gathering. If you choose to make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Don’t forget to check out my other related recipes for more delicious desserts that warm the heart! Happy baking!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup ungsalzene Butter, weich (unsalted butter, softened) Use good quality butter for best flavor.
- 1 1/4 Cups Kristallzucker (granulated sugar) This adds the essential sweetness.
- 2 Large Eier (eggs) Ensure they're at room temperature.
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilleextrakt (vanilla extract) A splash of pure vanilla elevates the flavor.
- 2 Cups Weizenmehl (all-purpose flour) Make sure it’s sifted for a fluffier cake.
- 2 1/2 Teaspoons Backpulver (baking powder) This helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Natron (baking soda) Balances the acidity from the bananas.
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salz (salt) Enhances all the flavors.
- 3 Large reife Bananen, zerdrückt (mashed ripe bananas) Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor.
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 Ounces Frischkäse, weich (cream cheese, softened) It should come to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 3 Tablespoons ungsalzene Butter, weich (unsalted butter, softened) Quality butter is key.
- 3 Cups Puderzucker (powdered sugar) This brings the sweetness to the frosting.
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilleextrakt (vanilla extract) To flavor the frosting.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180 Grad Celsius (350°F) and grease a 9×11-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the large eggs and vanilla extract one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed ripe bananas. Mix gently, being careful not to overmix.
Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 32-37 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread generously on the cooled cake.
Serving
- Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the smiles that come with each bite!