This recipe combines the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the decadence of a moist cake, all topped with a tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea, or simply a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency)
Instructions:
Prepare the Banana Bread Cake:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas. In a seperate measuring cup, measure the buttermilk.
- Alternate Additions: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 28-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the first layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decoration (Optional): You can decorate the cake with sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
- Chill: place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra banana flavor, you can add a teaspoon of banana extract to the batter.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty texture.
- You can use sour cream instead of buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
- For a single layer cake, use one 9 inch pan, and adjust baking time as needed.
- If you want to add a caramel drizzle, this is a great addition to the top of the cream cheese frosting.
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are very soft, this will make the frosting very smooth.
Enjoy your delicious Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!