Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Banana Cake:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat is best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese (full-fat is best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Add Mashed Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Flavor: Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Sweetness: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If needed, add the heavy whipping cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Frost Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve: Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy your delicious Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
20 Popular Questions and Answers related to Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter in the cake and frosting?
- While butter provides the best flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute if desired.
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
- Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in the cake batter.
- How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
- The bananas should be very ripe, with brown spots on the peel, for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture and flavor of the cake may be slightly different.
- Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cake batter?
- Yes, chopped nuts or chocolate chips can be added to the cake batter for extra flavor and texture.
- How long does the cake need to cool before frosting?
- It’s best to let the cake cool completely to room temperature before frosting, which usually takes about an hour.
- Can I make the cake and frosting ahead of time and assemble later?
- Yes, both the cake and frosting can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature before assembling.
- How should leftovers be stored?
- Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, the unfrosted cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.
- Can I use a different type of frosting?
- Yes, you can use a different type of frosting, such as chocolate or caramel, if preferred.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the frosting?
- While full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use low-fat cream cheese if desired.
- Can I omit the frosting or use a glaze instead?
- Yes, you can omit the frosting or use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk if you prefer a lighter option.
- Can I make this cake vegan?
- Yes, you can make this cake vegan by using dairy-free butter, sour cream, and cream cheese alternatives.
- How should the frosted cake be stored?
- The frosted cake should be stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
- Can I use a different size baking pan?
- Yes, you can use a different size baking pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I add lemon zest or cinnamon to the cake batter for extra flavor?
- Yes, lemon zest or cinnamon can be added to the cake batter for additional flavor.
- Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer for the frosting?
- Yes, a hand mixer can be used to beat the frosting ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
- Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of making it from scratch?
- Yes, store-bought cream cheese frosting can be used as a shortcut if desired.
- Can I add fruit on top of the frosting for decoration?
- Yes, sliced bananas or berries can be added on top of the frosting for decoration and added flavor.
- Can I make this cake into cupcakes instead of a sheet cake?
- Yes, the batter can be divided into cupcake liners and baked at the same temperature for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Here are some secrets to achieve the perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Ripe Bananas: Use ripe bananas with brown spots on the peel. They are sweeter and easier to mash, which adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and cream cheese, are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend together smoothly and evenly.
- Creaming Method: Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy creates air pockets in the batter, resulting in a lighter and more tender cake.
- Sour Cream: Using sour cream in the cake batter adds moisture and tanginess, resulting in a moist and flavorful cake.
- Gentle Mixing: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake.
- Proper Baking Time: Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures it sets properly.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Consistency: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy before adding the powdered sugar. Gradually add the powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency. Too much powdered sugar can result in a stiff frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in both the cake and frosting.
- Proper Storage: Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator if not serving immediately. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Decorative Touches: Add decorative touches such as sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting for an extra-special presentation.
- Layering Technique: For a layered cake, evenly divide the batter between two cake pans and bake accordingly. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting and assembling.
- Frosting Application: Apply a thin layer of frosting to the cake before adding the final layer. This is known as a crumb coat and helps seal in any loose crumbs, resulting in a cleaner final coat of frosting.
- Even Frosting: Use an offset spatula or frosting smoother to evenly spread the frosting over the cake layers. Take your time and work slowly for a smooth finish.
- Chill Before Slicing: For clean slices, chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing. This helps set the frosting and prevents it from smearing when cutting.
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, guaranteed to impress!