Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Pro Tip: Overmixing can cause the batter to lose its airiness, so mix only until no streaks of flour remain.
Step 4: Pour Batter Into Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top for a neat finish.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired.
Tip: For a lighter frosting, whip the mixture on high speed for 1–2 minutes after combining all ingredients.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Garnish with sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Customization Ideas
While the classic version of this Banana Bread Cake is irresistible, here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Nutty Delight : Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.
- Chocolate Twist : Stir in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.
- Spiced Variation : Add a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or cloves for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Berry Burst : Top the frosted cake with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries.
- Caramel Finish : Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for extra decadence.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Banana Bread Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Ripe Bananas : The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be.
- Don’t Overbake : Check the cake early to avoid drying it out. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs when done.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting : Applying frosting to a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off.
- Whip the Frosting : Beat the frosting thoroughly for a light, fluffy texture.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per slice)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate fusion of comfort and luxury. Its moist, banana-packed cake layers are perfectly complemented by the creamy, tangy frosting, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake something truly special. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or saved for later, this cake is sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore our other sweet treats. Happy baking, and may your kitchen adventures always end in sweet success! 🍯✨
