ADVERTISEMENT
#### **For the Banana Bread Cake:**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13-inch baking pan (depending on the size you prefer for your cake). You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. **Mash the Bananas**: Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth. If you prefer a little texture, leave some small chunks. You’ll need about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of mashed bananas, which is roughly 3 to 4 ripe bananas.
3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, cream the butter and both granulated and brown sugars together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and sour cream (or buttermilk). Mix until everything is well combined.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps prevent clumping.
5. **Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
6. **Bake the Cake**: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for a 9-inch round cake pan or 40 to 45 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
7. **Cool the Cake**: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you are making a layered cake, you may want to slice the cake into two layers once it is fully cooled.
#### **For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients**: Ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly and prevents lumps in the frosting.
2. **Mix the Frosting**: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar gradually, starting with 2 cups and adding more until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. **Frost the Cake**: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. If you made a layered cake, apply frosting between the layers as well as on the top and sides. You can use a spatula to smooth out the frosting, or create decorative swirls for a more rustic look.
4. **Serve and Enjoy**: Slice and serve the banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Enjoy this moist, flavorful cake that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.
—
### **Tips for Perfecting Your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting**
To help you achieve the perfect banana bread cake every time, here are a few helpful tips:
1. **Use Ripe Bananas**: The riper the bananas, the more flavor they’ll provide. Overripe bananas are sweet and soft, making them ideal for baking. The natural sugars in ripe bananas help make the cake moist and flavorful.
2. **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined, and be careful not to overwork the batter.
3. **Check for Doneness**: Ovens can vary, so be sure to check your cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
4. **Chill the Cream Cheese**: If your frosting turns out too runny, chill the cream cheese and butter before mixing. This helps the frosting firm up and hold its shape.
5. **Make Ahead**: You can make the banana bread cake ahead of time. It stores well in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature. If you want to make it even further in advance, freeze the cake and
frosting separately, then assemble them when you’re ready to serve.
—
### **Variations of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting**
While the classic version of this cake is absolutely delicious, there are plenty of variations you can experiment with to make it even more unique.
1. **Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cake**: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, indulgent treat. Dark or milk chocolate chips work well, depending on your preference.
2. **Nutty Banana Bread Cake**: For added crunch, stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Nuts provide a lovely contrast to the soft texture of the cake.
3. **Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Cake**: Add a cinnamon sugar swirl to the batter before baking. This will create pockets of cinnamon flavor throughout the cake.
4. **Banana Bread Cake with Caramel Drizzle**: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the frosted cake for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
5. **Banana Bread Cake with Coconut**: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. The coconut adds texture and a light, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana.
—
### **Conclusion**
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful and indulgent twist on the classic banana bread recipe. It combines the moist, flavorful goodness of banana bread with the light, fluffy texture of a cake, topped with rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a homemade treat, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy.
By following the step-by-step instructions and tips in this article, you can create a delicious banana bread cake that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make this cake your own. Whether you’re adding chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of cinnamon, each variation will add its own unique flair to this already amazing dessert.
So, grab those overripe bananas and get baking! Your family and friends will thank you.
