Heavenly Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 🍌🍰
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
This delightful Heavenly Banana Cake is a plush, moist treat that captures the essence of ripe bananas, perfectly complemented by rich cream cheese frosting. With its soft crumb and sweet flavor, this cake is a simple yet irresistible dessert that will make any occasion special. Easy to bake and lovely to serve, it’s a go-to recipe for banana lovers everywhere!
This cake has been a family favorite for generations. Every bite brings back fond memories of baking with loved ones, and the delightful aroma fills the kitchen.
A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Whether it's a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or just a cozy evening at home, this Heavenly Banana Cake is the perfect dessert to elevate any occasion. Its moist texture and rich flavor cater to both young and old, making it a universally loved treat. Imagine the joy as you slice into this cake, revealing its soft crumb and delightful aroma of bananas wafting through the air.
What makes this cake especially appealing is its simplicity. With easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients, even beginner bakers can achieve delicious results. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, turning what would be waste into a delicious dessert that everyone will cherish.
The Allure of Cream Cheese Frosting
The cream cheese frosting on this cake is truly the icing on the cake—literally! Its tangy sweetness perfectly balances the natural flavors of the bananas, creating a delightful taste experience. This frosting is not only creamy and luscious but also very easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
You can also personalize your cream cheese frosting by adding ingredients like lemon zest for a hint of citrus or a splash of coconut milk for added richness. This versatility means you can experiment and find your perfect flavor combination, ensuring you'll make this cake time and time again!
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your Heavenly Banana Cake turns out perfectly, make sure to use very ripe bananas. The more speckled and brown they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Simply mash them well before adding them to the batter to achieve the best consistency.
Additionally, be mindful not to overmix the batter once you incorporate the dry ingredients. This can lead to a denser texture instead of the light, fluffy cake you want. Stir gently until just combined for the best results. Following these simple tips will guarantee a scrumptious cake every time.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix well and let the flavors blend.
Steps
Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas, mixing well.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Frosting
While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until light and fluffy.
Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.
Enjoy your delicious cake!
Serving Suggestions
This Heavenly Banana Cake can be served plain for a delightful snack or dressed up for a special occasion. Consider garnishing it with fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds an elegant touch while keeping things simple.
Another delightful option is to serve individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. This not only enhances the flavor but also offers a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.
Storage and Freshness
To keep your Heavenly Banana Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you'd like to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for about a week. Remember that refrigeration may slightly change the texture of the frosting, but it will still remain delicious.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then frost it once it reaches room temperature.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding mix-ins to the cake batter. Chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a hint of cinnamon can elevate this banana cake into something even more special. Each variation adds a unique twist that can delight your taste buds and keep this recipe fresh.
You can also switch up the frosting flavor to suit different palates. For instance, using a chocolate ganache instead of cream cheese frosting offers a rich, decadent experience. Alternatively, a simple whipped cream topping can provide a lighter touch while still being incredibly tasty.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted for regular flour for a healthier option.
→ How do I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Heavenly Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 🍌🍰
This delightful Heavenly Banana Cake is a plush, moist treat that captures the essence of ripe bananas, perfectly complemented by rich cream cheese frosting. With its soft crumb and sweet flavor, this cake is a simple yet irresistible dessert that will make any occasion special. Easy to bake and lovely to serve, it’s a go-to recipe for banana lovers everywhere!
Created by: Sienna Brooks
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas, mixing well.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until light and fluffy.
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 3g