This Banana Bread Cake combines the moist, tender texture of banana bread with the elegance of a layered cake, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to share with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: Made with ripe bananas and sour cream for a tender crumb.
• Decadent Frosting: Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, luscious finish.
• Versatile Garnish: Customize with nuts, banana slices, or crumbled cake for added flair.
• Simple and Elegant: Easy to make yet impressive enough for celebrations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• all-purpose flour
• baking soda
• salt
• unsalted butter, softened
• granulated sugar
• brown sugar
• large eggs
• vanilla extract
• sour cream
• ripe bananas, mashed
• poppy seeds (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• cream cheese, softened
• unsalted butter, softened
• powdered sugar
• vanilla extract
• heavy cream (adjust for consistency)

For Garnish:

• banana slices
• crumbled cake or chopped nuts

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
4. Fold in mashed bananas and poppy seeds (if using).
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream until frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Decorate with banana slices, crumbled cake, or chopped nuts.
2. Slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for crunch.
• Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the banana flavor.
• Chocolate Twist: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free cake.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly (whole or individual slices) in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Bring to room temperature before serving or microwave slices for 10–15 seconds for a freshly baked feel.

FAQs

1. Can I make this as a single-layer cake?

Yes, bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

2. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw frozen bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

3. Can I skip the sour cream?

Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for similar results.

4. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pans thoroughly and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

5. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and stir before using.

6. Can I add frosting between layers for extra sweetness?

Absolutely! Spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers.

7. What’s the best way to mash bananas?

Use a fork, potato masher, or food processor for a smooth consistency.

8. How do I ensure the cake is moist?

Avoid overmixing the batter and don’t overbake. Use ripe bananas for added moisture.

9. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

10. What pairs well with this cake?

Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender crumb, creamy frosting, and customizable toppings, this cake is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Try it today and savor the irresistible blend of banana and cream cheese!

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