Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

by

Dive into a world of sheer delight with our mouthwatering Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe. Bursting with the rich flavors of ripe bananas, velvety sour cream, and luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is a true indulgence for any dessert lover. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this irresistible cake is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving for more. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure and create a cake that’s as delightful to bake as it is to devour!

Ingredients:

For The Banana Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 ⅓ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 medium bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)

For The Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray two 8-inch cake pans with non-stick spray to ensure easy cake release.
  2. Prepare the Banana Cake:
    1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
    2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
    3. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
    4. Fold in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated into the batter.
    5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
    6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
    1. In a medium bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
    2. Add the vanilla extract and gradually sift in the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  4. Assemble and Frost:
    1. Once the cakes have cooled completely, carefully remove them from the pans and place one layer onto a serving plate or cake stand.
    2. Spread a generous layer of the prepared cream cheese frosting over the top of the first cake layer.
    3. Gently place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting into decadent servings and savor each delectable bite of this irresistible dessert.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 12
  • Calories: (Calories may vary depending on serving size and ingredients used)

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature, depending on personal preference. Allow chilled cake to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance its flavors and texture.
  2. Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation of your Banana Cake by garnishing it with banana slices, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving. These decorative touches add visual appeal and complement the flavors of the cake.
  3. Pair with Beverages: Accompany slices of Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of milk for a delightful dessert experience.
  4. Serve with a Side: For a decadent dessert, serve slices of Banana Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside. The combination of warm cake and cold toppings creates a satisfying contrast of textures and temperatures.
  5. Individual Portions: Consider slicing the cake into individual servings and serving them in cupcake liners for easy serving and portion control, especially for larger gatherings or events.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cream cheese frosting may soften slightly at room temperature but will firm up again when chilled.
  2. Freezing: For longer-term storage, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Frozen Banana Cake can be stored for up to 1-2 months.
  3. Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen Banana Cake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
  4. Freshen Up: To refresh leftover cake before serving, lightly brush the slices with simple syrup or fruit juice to add moisture and revive the flavors.

Variations:

  1. Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the banana cake batter for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  2. Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks into the banana cake batter for a decadent chocolate banana cake experience.
  3. Coconut Infusion: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the banana and cream cheese frosting.
  4. Spiced Sensation: Enhance the flavor profile of the cake by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the batter for a warm and aromatic touch.
  5. Fruit Fusion: Experiment with additional fruits such as diced strawberries, blueberries, or pineapple for a fruity variation of the classic banana cake.
  6. Layered Delight: For an elegant presentation, bake the cake batter in three separate cake pans to create layers, alternating with cream cheese frosting between each layer for a stunning layered cake.
  7. Citrus Burst: Add a zesty twist to the cream cheese frosting by incorporating lemon or orange zest for a bright and refreshing flavor.
  8. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals without sacrificing taste or texture.
  9. Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter, non-dairy sour cream, and dairy-free cream cheese to create a vegan-friendly version of Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
  10. Mini Cupcake Variation: Transform the recipe into bite-sized treats by baking the batter in mini cupcake tins and topping each mini cake with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for irresistible bite-sized indulgence.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe? Yes, overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal for banana cake as they are sweeter and more flavorful, resulting in a moist and flavorful cake.
  2. Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream in the cake batter? Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in the cake batter without compromising the texture or taste of the cake.
  3. How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from becoming too runny? Ensure that the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before beating them together. Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
  4. Can I make this cake in advance for a special occasion? Yes, Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
  5. How should I store leftover cream cheese-frosted cake? Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from spoiling. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
  6. Can I add additional flavorings to the cream cheese frosting? Yes, you can customize the cream cheese frosting by incorporating flavorings such as lemon zest, cocoa powder, or rum extract to suit your taste preferences.
  7. Can I omit the cream cheese frosting and serve the cake plain? While the cream cheese frosting adds richness and flavor to the cake, you can omit it if desired and serve the banana cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a simpler presentation.
  8. Can I use frozen bananas for the cake batter? Thaw frozen bananas completely before mashing and incorporating them into the cake batter to ensure they blend smoothly and evenly.
  9. How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans? Ensure that the cake pans are properly greased and lined with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking to the pans and ensure easy removal after baking.
  10. Can I add a layer of sliced bananas between the cake layers? Yes, you can add a layer of thinly sliced bananas between the cake layers for additional banana flavor and texture. Ensure that the bananas are evenly distributed and not too thick to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

With its moist and flavorful banana cake layers, crowned with creamy cream cheese frosting, our Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is a true celebration of sweetness and indulgence. Whether enjoyed as a dessert centerpiece for gatherings or as a special treat for yourself, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfaction to all who taste it. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the baking begin – because every slice of this cake promises pure bliss!