Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Table of Contents
Ah, the delightful aroma of banana cake wafting through the kitchen brings back a flood of cherished memories. I can vividly recall standing on a stool beside my grandmother, her warm hands guiding mine as we mashed bananas together. Those moments, filled with laughter and love, transformed simple ingredients into a heartwarming treat. Today, I’m excited to share with you my Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe — a nostalgic nod to those treasured times, yet as easy peasy as can be.
This banana cake doesn’t just fill the house with a comforting scent; it promises a slice of warmth and joy. Imagine the moist, tender crumb of ripe bananas perfectly balanced with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting. It’s a dessert that embraces you like a cozy hug, perfect for family gatherings or a sweet escape on a lazy afternoon.
There’s something magical about a recipe that can turn ordinary afternoons into memorable ones. This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a testament to the joy of simple, home-cooked meals. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, this cake invites you to create something beautiful and delicious with minimal fuss.
The rich, fruity aroma of bananas paired with creamy, tangy frosting is a match made in heaven. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or a cozy weekend treat, it’s a versatile dessert that never fails to impress. Plus, the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making it an easy peasy choice for spontaneous baking sessions. The sense of achievement you’ll feel as you pull this cake from the oven is a reward in itself, a step towards building your baking confidence.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Why should this recipe find a place in your kitchen? Well, here are a few heartfelt reasons:
- Nostalgic Comfort: This cake is like a time machine, taking you back to comforting moments spent with loved ones in the kitchen.
- Family Favorite: It’s a surefire hit at family gatherings, birthdays, or just because — and who doesn’t love the combination of banana and cream cheese?
- Simple Joy: The straightforward ingredients and steps make baking this cake a joyful experience, even for beginners.
- Versatile Delight: Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, this cake adapts to every occasion, bringing smiles all around.
- Homemade Goodness: Baking from scratch not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also infuses your creation with love and care.
Let’s dive into the heartwarming journey of crafting this delightful cake.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Creating this delightful cake is a breeze with a few trusty tools:
- Mixing Bowls: A couple of mixing bowls for wet and dry ingredients. Opt for glass or stainless steel for durability and ease of cleaning.
- Electric Mixer: Ideal for achieving that perfect, fluffy texture in both cake and frosting. A hand mixer works fine, but a stand mixer makes the process more hands-free.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key to nailing the flavors. Ensure your measures are level for consistent results.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for our banana cake. Non-stick pans are convenient, but greasing and flouring any pan ensures easy release.
- Wire Rack: Essential for cooling your cake evenly, preventing soggy bottoms, and ensuring that the frosting sets nicely.
- Spatula: For spreading the frosting beautifully, a silicone spatula ensures you get every bit of batter into the pan and frosting onto the cake.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
For the Banana Cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
– ½ cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step is crucial for easy cake removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, essential for a fluffy cake.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, scraping down the bowl as needed. This ensures even mixing and prevents lumps.
- Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed after each addition until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is important before adding the frosting.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar with the mixer on low speed, increasing to medium-high once incorporated, and beat until the frosting is fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. For a marbled effect, use the tip of a knife or an offset spatula to create gentle swirls in the frosting. Slice and serve.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 20 minutes • Cooking Time: 30 minutes • Total Time: 50 minutes • Calories: 350 per serving • Servings: 12
Note: For a twist, add a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor. This adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of taste that complements the bananas beautifully.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
Our Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that offer nutritional benefits:
- Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for added sugar. They also provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion.
- Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon adds a warm, comforting note to the cake. It’s also linked to heart health and improved blood sugar levels.
- Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and tenderness to the cake while being easier on lactose-sensitive tummies. Its acidity also helps activate baking soda, contributing to the cake’s rise.
- Cream Cheese: While indulgent, cream cheese is a good source of calcium, contributing to your daily nutritional intake. It also adds a rich, creamy texture to the frosting that complements the cake perfectly.
Each bite not only delights your senses but also offers a touch of goodness, making this dessert a guilt-free pleasure.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary treats can elevate your experience:
- Warm Tea or Coffee: The subtle bitterness of tea or coffee balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully. Consider a chai latte for a spicy kick or a robust coffee for depth.
- Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and a burst of tartness with a side of fresh berries. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work particularly well.
- Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your slice. The cold, creamy texture contrasts wonderfully with the soft cake.
- Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor profile. Their natural oils and earthy taste complement the sweetness of the cake.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
Storing your banana cake is as easy peasy as making it:
- Refrigerator: Keep your cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This also helps maintain the frosting’s texture, preventing it from becoming too soft.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving. This is perfect for when you want a quick treat without baking.
- Reviving Leftovers: To bring back the cake’s fresh-baked feel, warm a slice in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying. This softens the cake and enhances the banana flavor, making it taste almost like it just came out of the oven.
The joy of homemade cooking lies not just in the creation but in the enjoyment shared with loved ones. Whether you’re savoring a freshly baked slice or relishing leftovers, this cake is a testament to the warmth and comfort of home.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
Love this recipe? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest boards and bring a little Easy Peasy comfort to your kitchen whenever you need it.
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed after each addition until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar with the mixer on low speed, increasing to medium-high once incorporated, and beat until the frosting is fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. For a marbled effect, use the tip of a knife or an offset spatula to create gentle swirls in the frosting. Slice and serve.
