Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Cake

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Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Cake

Introduction

Banana cake is a classic comfort dessert loved for its moist crumb, natural sweetness, and nostalgic charm. When paired with tangy, silky cream cheese frosting, it transforms into an irresistible treat perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or afternoon coffee breaks. This recipe is designed to bring out the deep banana flavor while maintaining a light and fluffy texture, all crowned with a rich frosting that balances sweetness and depth.

Ingredients

For the Banana Cake:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3½ to 4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired thickness)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla, then mix in the mashed bananas.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Bake

  1. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  2. Add vanilla and salt.
  3. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

  1. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  2. For decoration, you can sprinkle chopped walnuts or banana chips on top.

Method Summary

  • Cream wet ingredients and combine with dry.
  • Bake until golden and set.
  • Cool completely before frosting.
  • Use softened cream cheese and butter for the smoothest frosting.

History of Banana Cake

Banana cake has its roots in the Great Depression, when home bakers were eager not to waste overripe bananas. As refrigeration became more common, bananas were more readily available and ripened faster. Cooks developed recipes to use these sweet fruits in breads and cakes. The pairing with cream cheese frosting rose in popularity in the mid-20th century, a twist borrowed from carrot cake traditions.

Health Benefits (When Enjoyed in Moderation)

  • Bananas provide potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber.
  • Sour cream and eggs offer protein and richness.
  • Cream cheese frosting is high in calcium. While this is an indulgent dessert, using ripe bananas means you can use less added sugar without sacrificing flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, based on 15 servings)

  • Calories: ~370
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Fiber: 1.5g

Cake Formation Tips

  • Room temperature ingredients help the batter blend better.
  • Do not overmix once you add the flour; this keeps the cake tender.
  • Use very ripe bananas—the spottier, the better—for maximum flavor.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Cake is a testament to timeless baking. It combines the nostalgic flavor of banana bread with the elegance of a dessert cake. Whether you’re baking for your family, coworkers, or just for yourself, it’s bound to be a hit.

For the Lovers of Banana Desserts

If you love banana pudding, banana bread, or banana cream pie, this cake will win your heart. It’s perfect for:

  • Family reunions
  • Birthday celebrations
  • Church socials
  • Cozy weekend treats

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