Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13-inch baking dish, if you prefer a thicker cake). You can also line the pans with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer or hand beaters, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or yogurt). Add the mashed bananas and mix until everything is well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk (or regular milk). Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a tender, moist cake.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If using a 9×13-inch pan, bake for 45-50 minutes.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat until well combined.

If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

7. Frost the Cake

Once the banana bread cake has completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one of the cake layers. Place the second layer on top and continue frosting the top and sides of the cake. For a beautiful finish, you can decorate the top with additional sliced bananas, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and enjoy! This banana bread cake is perfect on its own, but it’s even better with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread Cake

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they are. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal for this recipe because they provide the moisture and rich banana flavor the cake needs.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to mix gently. Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
• For Extra Moisture: Adding sour cream or yogurt to the batter gives the cake a rich, moist texture. Buttermilk also adds moisture while enhancing the flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The frosting can also be made in advance and refrigerated. Just allow the frosting to come to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.
• Storage: Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The cream cheese frosting can also be refrigerated and used within a few days.

Variations on Banana Bread Cake

While the combination of banana bread and cream cheese frosting is perfect on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

1. Add Chocolate Chips: For a richer dessert, stir in a cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking. The melted chocolate pairs beautifully with the banana flavor.
2. Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting for extra texture.
3. Coconut Banana Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. This adds a lovely texture and flavor to the cake.
4. Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosted cake just before serving.
5. Spices and Citrus: Add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of cloves, or some fresh orange zest for additional layers of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a must-try dessert for any banana lover or cake enthusiast. It combines the familiar comfort of banana bread with the indulgence of a soft, moist cake topped with a rich, tangy frosting. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

The best part? It’s easy to make and full of flavor, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Once you’ve tried this cake, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire!